at raising an extra $7 million in land tax payments on the table for debate.

And the Senate chamber will also buzz as Senators connect with the proposed law designed to push Bermuda into the forefront of electronic buying and selling.

Government Sen. leader Milton Scott could not be contacted for comment last night.

But Senate president Alf Oughton said: "I'm certain there will be a lot of debate on the land tax bill.'' Senate, however, unlike most bills, cannot use its powers to block laws for up for a year because money bills are exempted from the rule.

But Sen. Oughton said: "There is nothing which could be done about this Act -- but I'm sure Senators will all want to have their say on it.

"We will probably go well into the afternoon. The Opposition will certainly be vocal and I'm sure the Independents will want to make their contribution, too.'' When the Land Tax Amendment Act came up in the House of Assembly nearly two weeks ago, Opposition went on the attack, demanding to know why the extra cash was needed only months after the Budget was unveiled.

UBP MPs also accused Government of breaking a promise not to raise taxes by more than the rate of inflation.

The revaluation of property -- the first for ten years -- is aimed at raising extra cash by hitting the owners of bigger homes and commercial properties.

But Finance Minister Eugene Cox said discounts and the five-band tax system would mean 75 percent of homeowners would pay less.

The Electronic Commerce Act aims to set up the legal framework for Internet-based trade.

The Act aims for a light touch -- allowing the new-born industry to regulate itself, although its code of conduct is subject to Ministerial approval.

And it is designed to give electronic `signatures' -- subject to conditions -- the same validity in courts as a normal one on paper.