Senators could be asked today to approve a special committee set up to create a register of interests for Parliamentarians.

Independent Sen. Walwyn Hughes may bring a motion asking the Upper House to formally back Senators' participation in the Joint Select Committee set up to look at a register of investments and directorships.

Sen. Hughes -- who has already signed the majority report of the committee calling for a register -- said: "I hope to do it.

"But I'm not sure yet. I wanted to have a chat with Senators before I do that and whether I will get the chance before Senate starts, I don't know.

"I don't want to push this while people are still talking about it, but I hope I can do it.'' The move is a "housekeeping'' measure, designed to give permission to Senators to sit on the committee -- which they have been doing for some time.

But Sen. Hughes said: "I am in favour of regularising the position and this is just to regularise our position on the committee.'' He added: "I think some form of Member's interests register is certainly appropriate.'' Also up for debate is a law to turn Bermuda's booming register of cruise ships into real love boats.

The Maritime Marriage Act aims to give masters of Bermuda-registered vessels the power to conduct weddings on the high seas, subject to the same regulations covering on-Island ceremonies. Senators will also discuss an amendment to the Criminal Justice Act which will allow the hot pursuit by overseas ships of suspected seagoing criminals into Bermuda waters.

Also on the order paper are regulations allowing mortgages on aircraft and aircraft engines to be held in Bermuda -- a move designed to complement the soaring number of Island-registered planes.

Hopeful: Walwyn Hughes