Debate should be hot in the Senate today as the fate of a controversial pay rise for parliamentarians is decided.

At the last meeting of the Senate, Government Senator Raymond Tannock said he would support a draft Resolution regarding Parliamentary Salaries payable to Members and Officers of the Legislature.

If approved, a 79 percent rise ? from $111,714 to $200,000 ? will go to Premier Alex Scott, however, Senators, will only see their $26,287 annual salary increase with inflation.

Three Independent Senators could group with the Opposition to defeat the Resolution six votes to five.

Former UBP Minister Quinton Edness said last week, however, that the Senate would ultimately not be able to reverse the decision of MPs and even if the Resolution is rejected, it will only be delayed around six months.

Also on the Senate?s Order of Business today is a third reading of the Bermuda Housing Amendment Act 2006.

The House of Assembly agreed on Friday to amend the bill as requested by the Senate last Wednesday to say that the Bermuda Housing Corporation (BHC) should be able to mortgage any land or building for a period of not more than 35 years.

The amended bill also now states that BHC may lease any land or building for a period of not more than 120 years.

And the Medical Practitioners Amendment Act 2006 ? which sought to address the problem of doctors being unfit for work due to alcohol or drugs ? will also be read in the Senate today for a second time.