Said to quietly underly Bermudian society, it received a loud and thorough airing in the House of Assembly.

During the second full day of debate on the Tumim Report, MPs who are white, black, Portuguese, and of mixed race all told how they perceived the problem.

In his report last year, Criminal Justice Review Board chairman Judge Stephen Tumim said it was not enough to remove the legal basis for racial segregation.

"A society must have the fortitude to undertake the task of removing the social attitudes that prevent people from treating each other with the respect and dignity all human beings deserve,'' Judge Tumim said.

While the Judge made 35 recommendations -- from opening a Government bookstore to videotaping of Police interviews with suspects -- many MPs said progress on racism was the key.

The two major parties agreed institutional racism exists, but they differed on how much progress had been made and how quickly remaining problems could be resolved.

And the United Bermuda Party and Progressive Labour Party accused each other of doing next to nothing to improve the problem highlighted by Judge Tumim.

Mr. Stanley Lowe noted that last week some members came close to "a punch-up'' over the racism issue.

And the debate was no less heated yesterday, as barbs were exchanged over the racial make-up of the two major parties.

Education Minister the Hon. Clarence Terceira questioned why there were not more whites in the PLP, while PLP MP Mr. Ottiwell Simmons accused Government of bribing blacks to join the UBP. And PLP MP Mr. Eugene Blakeney said whites who joined his party were ostracised by other whites, referred to as "nigger lovers'' or "traitors''.

Despite the acid tone, some MPs said a public airing of the issue was just what was needed.

"At least we are addressing the subject of racism,'' said UBP MP Mrs. Grace Bell.

And there were light moments, like when Finance Minister the Hon. David Saul removed his shoes, placed them on his desk, and said he was "metaphorically and literally willing'' to step into any Opposition members' shoes in order to understand their points of view.

The PLP hammered on the theme that there was little new in Tumim.

Opposition Leader Mr. Frederick Wade asked why Government did not act after earlier reports on Bermuda's justice system, including ones by Wooding, Lord Pitt, and Gurr.

"You've been the Government now for 29 years,'' said Mr. Lowe. "What have you done? You didn't need Judge Tumim to tell you about the pervasiveness of racism.'' Government emphasised the progress that has been made. Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge recited a long list of blacks in important posts, including Hamilton Mayor the Wor. Cecil Dismont, Police Commissioner Mr.

Lennett (Lennie) Edwards, Senate President the Hon. Albert Jackson, and incoming Accountant General Ms Heather Matthews.

The House adjourned shortly before 8 p.m. with several MPs still wishing to speak. Debate about Tumim is to resume next Friday.

The first half of yesterday's debate us on Page 4. It will be concluded on Monday.