Assembly.

And United Bermuda Party Legislative Affairs spokesman John Barritt claimed that the move meant that major pieces of legislation would be "rammed through'' with no regard for the democratic process.

Government Whip Ottiwell Simmons last night appealed to MPs not to waste time in today's debates -- and noted long lists of legislation had been debated under the former United Bermuda Party government.

But Mr. Barritt charged:: "It smacks of something we seem to be seeing a lot of -- a very imperious style of Government.

"There is an arrogance born of numbers -- we'll ram it through. But many of these things are important, not only to the people of the Country, but to the livelihood of the entire Country.

"It renders meaningless Government's stated preference that they would do things `in the sunshine of public scrutiny'.'' Mr. Barritt singled out proposals to toughen up the US-Bermuda tax treaty and the anti-dirty money Proceeds of Crime Act, as well as taxes management law and rules governing banks and deposit companies as particularly significant.

He added that the business world and taxi drivers both claimed a lack of consultation on laws to allow managers to join trades unions and licensing limousine services for funeral homes, respectively.

Mr. Barritt said: "We are extremely disappointed that Government has decided to take this approach on what we regard as very important items of business.

"The trade union amendment is a major and significant step in labour relations which may have a profound effect.

"And there ought to be a full airing on why the limousine law is necessary, not just because taxi drivers are opposed to it, but because it's important to anyone with an interest in transport in Bermuda.'' MPs are set to clash today over controversial plans to allow managers to sign up with the same unions as the rank-and-file.

And taxi drivers are set to stage a mobile protest over a proposal to allow funeral homes to run their own limousine services -- a move cabbies insist will hit their business.

Last night, MPs launched a war of words over the agenda -- even before the House actually gets down to business.

And Mr. Barritt accused Government of "ramming through'' legislation and ducking the democratic process.

Also on the agenda is a "take note'' motion on hard-hitting Auditor's reports on the handling of Government cash.

And the Progressive Labour Party Government is sure to take the opportunity to attack the previous administration's record on controlling the public purse strings.

All three items are part of a marathon sitting scheduled in a bid to race through legislation in what is likely to be the last meeting of the House this Parliamentary session.

Editorial: Page 4 MPs clash over massive agenda The House is expected to deal with a total of 13 separate pieces of legislation -- and the final motion to adjourn where MPs can tackle the hot issues of the day.

Government has already said delays in drawing up legislation due to a shortage of Parliamentary draughtsmen had slowed its programme down.

Mr. Simmons said last night: "I've seen long lists on the last day before -- and this is a long list.

"I've made an announcement to our Members asking them to speak to the points and not to waste any time. I've passed this on to the other Whip and I'm hoping he will say the same to his side.'' Finance Minister Eugene Cox will introduce more than half of the day's business for debate -- many of them tabled to keep Bermuda in line with an increasingly tough international line on offshore jurisdictions.

His seven bills include the rewrite of the US-Bermuda tax treaty, toughening up the existing agreement at the request of the US Government.

The amendment clarifies the type of information which can be given out -- "relevant to the determination of the liability of the taxpayer''.

And the Proceeds of Crime Act will get more teeth with an amendment to include fiscal offences involving fraud.

The change criminalises acts which, even though committed overseas, would have been an offence if the same acts had been carried out in Bermuda.

The alteration to the law -- tabled with an amendment to taxes management legislation, which makes it "a fraudulent breach of the duty to collect a tax from a third party and remit it to the Tax Commissioner an indictable offence'' -- is expected to keep the Island up-to-date with the latest requirements.

The taxes amendment also criminalises fraudulent evasion of tax responsibilities.

MPs will also debate a proposal to allow deferred pensions for MPs, Ministers and other officers of the Legislature who do not satisfy current pension rules.

If approved, MPs who received a lump sum of their contributions back at the end of their political careers will be eligible for a deferred pension to be paid at the age of 60 with eight years' service and the age of 55 with at least 20 years of service.

Retired Members, however, have to hand back their contributions refund plus interest before the end of the year to qualify.

In addition, Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Paula Cox is set to deliver a policy statement in the wake of calls for tougher sentencing for crimes against tourists.

And Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson will make statements on dangerous dogs, tree protection and lobster fishing.

Eugene Cox: Busy day PLP arrogance: John Barritt