The new MPs on both sides of the House had better not get too comfortable in their seats if the latest crop of young student debaters carry on as they began last week.

While Government and UBP MPs were getting themselves ready for the first Progressive Labour Party Budget, students from all of Bermuda's high schools were trying their seats out for size.

And whereas the House of Assembly normally resembles a school dining room at the best of times, there was nothing above a quiet chatter from these youngsters.

They quietly took their seats and made their speeches in perfect silence -- somewhat different to the barricking that usually accompanies MPs' addresses -- as the rest of the body looked on.

A speaker watched over the proceedings and kept order, though it was hardly needed, as Government and Opposition Leaders voiced their opinions clearly and concisely.

Though just a rehearsal, the students treated it like the real thing in preparation for their debate proper.

And news of any high fliers in the debate will certainly find its way to important ears.

Jai Butler, son of Warwick East MP Dale Butler was on the "Government'' benches and the organiser was Miranda Lister, wife of Youth and Sport Minister Dennis Lister.

Mrs Lister, who has 13 years experience with the project, explained the principles behind the Youth Parliament.

"It exposes young people to how Parliament runs,'' she said. "We have an open discussion with panel guests who come in, we choose a topic and the debate in the same way.

"The only difference is that we have to do it all within one hour.'' The students come from every high school in Bermuda, and so popular is the event that 57 youngsters signed up this year as opposed to the normal figure of 25.

Even middle school students have become involved, and during the rehearsal they formed the public gallery.

The motion put forward by the "Government'' was "this House believes Bermuda should be independent'' and Speaker Masante Maryam got the ball rolling, warning the leaders they had five minutes to get their message across.

"Premier'' Shammah Williams put the case for cutting ties with Britain, saying the UK "did little for Bermuda'' and would only raise taxes.

He said the Country would hardly notice the difference and could easily "hook-up'' with another country for defence purposes.

But "Opposition Leader'' Patrika Ferguson argued the Country had a long way to go with reforms and home policies before it could consider putting an extra burden on the Government.

Because the debate was a rehearsal for the real debate, there was no vote on the motion, meaning both "parties'' could come away with a draw! Due to the unavailability of judges, the real Youth Parliament debate had to be put off.