brought to Bermuda is to come under the spotlight in today's session of the House of Assembly.

MPs will discuss the International Child Abduction Act 1998 -- designed to enforce restraining orders and custody orders from overseas. If passed, the courts in Bermuda will be able to act and return the child or children to the legally-appointed guardians.

And a controversial private members' bill which seeks to allow Bermuda Properties Ltd to sell off or dispose of its land at Ship's Hill in Hamilton Parish could come to the House.

The firm has had restrictions on the use of the land since it was formed in 1958 -- put in place by Government to protect the golf course.

The company wants to spend $65 million in partnership with an overseas firm developing the land -- but needs the restriction lifted to close the deal.

BPL wants to build 13 houses with swimming pools. 13 two-storey town houses, a communal pool, four tennis courts and a water tank on Ship's Hill.

But the plans sparked a storm of protest from environmentalists who claimed the development would damage a cave system, home to unique water life, and cost another open space.

Government Whip, Quinton Edness said: "There is a chance that bill will be brought back -- the Private Bills Committee have finished with it. But I don't know if the report will be ready.'' And Government also plans to discuss proposed amendments to two finance Acts in a bid to make the Island more competitive.

The Trusts (Special Provisions) Act 1998 will, if passed, broaden the ability to use trusts for non-charitable purposes and remove the need for one of the trustees to be a "designated person'' -- in effect a barrister or an accountant.

The Island would also axe a register of "purpose trusts'' on the Island.

And other proposed legislation will allow the name of a limited partner to be incorporated in the name of a partnership without risking the loss of limited liability status.

It would also allow a limited partner to take part in investment strategy without being taken as participation in the management strategy of a partnership.