A controversial amendment to the employment laws for non-Bermudians is set to ensure a stormy session in the House of Assembly today.

And MPs are likely to sit into the early hours of tomorrow to discuss the amendment -- claimed by Opposition Labour and Home Affairs Minister Alex Scott to be a "back door'' attempt to extend English Police Commissioner Colin Coxall's contract.

The alteration to the Public Services Commission regulations allows the Commission "to recommend a non-Bermudian for appointment to an office for a term exceeding three years but not exceeding five years if either the Commission sees fit in the particular case or the officer in question is an officer in the Police force''.

The amendment adds: "Where a non-Bermudian has been employed for a period of not less than five consecutive years as an officer in the Police force, the Commission may recommend him for permanent appointment to an established office in that force.'' The wording made the Progressive Labour Party's Mr. Scott see red -- and he claimed it was another slap in the face for Bermudian Police officers.

Labour and Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness, however, insisted the change was to cover the bases to ensure continuity in leadership in the force.

He did not rule out Mr. Coxall being given a permanent post -- but he stressed that a number of options were being examined.

It is third time lucky for Mr. Scott, who failed on two previous occasions to bring his "take note'' motion to the floor of the House.

The first attempt earlier this month was voted down 13-10 after he asked House rules to be suspended to allow a debate.

And a second attempt last Friday was shot down after Speaker Ernest DeCouto ruled that Mr. Scott had failed to give proper notice of the motion.

Also on the cards for discussion is the second reading of an amendment to the Constitution to allow elections or referendums to be cancelled in the wake of a natural disaster or civil disturbance. That legislation was prompted by controversy over a day's delay in the 1995 Independence Referendum caused by Hurricane Felix.

MPs will also consider the new code of practice designed to eliminate racial discrimination and to promote equal opportunities in the workplace.

New legislation being tabled for later debate could include a law designed to allow the courts to seize the assets of convicted criminals like drug dealers.

And the Report of the Task Force on Women's Issues, aimed at improving the lot of women, will be tabled.

Sen. Yvette Swan, the Minister responsible for Women's Issues, will later highlight the main findings and recommendations contained in the report at the Cabinet Office.

A planned $750,000 Government purchase of land at Lighthouse Hill, Southampton, from John W. Swan and the resale of part of it will also be considered if time allows.