paid tribute to the former British Prime Minister.

Opposition Progressive Labour Party leader Mr. Frederick Wade led the tributes in the House of Assembly for the pipe-smoking socialist who died this week aged 79.

Mr. Wade hailed Lord Wilson as one of the most distinguished politicians after Britain's wartime leader Sir Winston Churchill.

He said the bluff, working-class Englishman dominated politics in the '60s and '70s.

Added Mr. Wade: "He won four general elections, and was one of the great Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom.'' Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan also asked for a letter of condolence to be sent to Lord Wilson's family.

He said Lord Wilson, a brilliant Oxford student, was leader during a time of great and rapid changes in Britain.

With the sun setting on the British empire, Lord Wilson oversaw the decolonisation of Caribbean colonies, said Sir John.

"He was there during a very significant period, and made a tremendous contribution.

"It is sad that he has passed with such an excellent record. It is only fitting to pay tribute to a man who has given such outstanding service.'' PLP backbencher and Bermuda Industrial Union president Mr. Ottiwell Simmons said Lord Wilson was very close to the trade union movement.

He recalled that Lord Wilson stood outside Number 10 Downing Street as a 12-year-old boy and told himself: "One day I want to live in that house.'' Mr Simmons added he always respected and admired Lord Wilson.

Also at the forefront of MPs' minds were organisers of Bermuda's Heritage Day festivities.

Among those who paid tribute were Sir John, Shadow Health Minister Mr. Nelson Bascome , and Government Whip Mr. John Barritt .

Some picked out St. George's C.C. for its float in the parade.

Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge urged MPs to recognise the achievements of lawyer Mr. Justin Williams.

After a brilliant academic career, Mr. Williams, aged 29, was made a partner with Cox & Wilkinson.

"He has brought honour to Bermuda through his academic prowess,'' said Mr.

Woolridge.

Health Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness ask for a letter of congratulations to be sent to Rev. Andrew William Doughty following his induction as rector at Warwick in a ceremony conducted by the Anglican Bishop of Bermuda the Rt. Rev.

William Down.

"He is a Bermudian who has a tremendous academic record and a record of experience as a pastor.'' Mr. Edness said the Rev. Doughty would serve at St. Mary's Church.

Works and Engineering Minister Mr. Leonard Gibbons told MPs the Salvation Army's Tag Day was an appropriate time to congratulate the organisation.

"I encourage the community to support the Red Shield Appeal,'' he said.

Shadow Community and Cultural Affairs Minister Mr. Leon (Jimmy) Williams also applauded the Salvation Army for playing a "significant'' role in Bermuda.

He went on to praise two Bermudian students, Jennifer Burland and Quito Swan, for their presentations at an Independence forum at Astwood Hall in Church Street this week.

The maturity of their thoughts boded well for Bermuda's future.

Mr. Williams also congratulated Dr. Timothy Wilson, a special adviser to South Africa's Health Minister who gave a speech at the Beyond the Barriers forum.

Shadow Education Minister Ms Jennifer Smith paid tribute to theatrical director Ms Patricia Pogson and organist Mr. Darryl Simmons who were named Outstanding Young Persons.

She said Harrington Sound Primary School should also be congratulated on its 50th anniversary.

Minister of Management and Technology Dr. Grant Gibbons asked MPs to congratulate Mr. Christopher Malpas who was this week crowned Best Young Chef of Bermuda by the Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs.

On a sadder note, some MPs voiced shock and regret over the death this week of Mrs. Helen Frederica (Betty) Sherlock Das.