work together and grasp opportunities that are expected to come its way in 1993, Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan told Parliamentarians yesterday.

Sir John said the speech, delivered last Friday by Governor Lord Waddington, supplied Government's five fundamental philosophies: commitment to develop a Bermudian consensus; economic stability and responsible management; equality of opportunity for all; enhancement of the environment; and social stability and security.

Sir John referred to the commissions on unemployment and competitiveness as good examples of Government's commitment to seek public consensus.

He said surveys on education, sports and the elderly were also examples of this commitment, although it had been criticised for them.

He said during the 1980s Government "made a tremendous investment'' in health, education and housing.

As a result of this Bermuda had the strongest physical infrastructure, the best housing, and the largest middle class society in the world.

Sir John acknowledged that Bermuda was hurting economically and there were domestic issues "that needed attention''.

But he said the speech showed that Government had put machinery in place not just for the present situation, but to "continually improve society''.

Opposition Leader Mr. Frederick Wade said the Throne Speech was nothing more than Government's election platform riddled with "vague promises''.

And he put forward a sample of what the PLP Throne Speech would have contained (see Page 4).

Mr. Wade said the PLP was still waiting for Government's study of unemployed or underemployed Bermudians.

He said the speech also lacked a clear plan on the National Stadium from the Sports Minister; a white paper on education reform, "a well-thought of plan for dealing with winding down of non-Bermudian workers'', and a clear signal of how Government would deal with rising crime.

National Liberal Party Leader Mr. Gilbert Darrell said Government's five key philosophies were the same as those in last year's speech.

"It's hard to see where they are going,'' he said.

Mr. Darrell also called on Government to conduct a "comprehensive'' survey of the unemployed. He said a one-line mention of unemployment in the speech proved that Government was not taking it seriously.

And he questioned how Government could boast that it reduced its operations when it allowed the Education Department to hire a public relations officer while there was Government Information Services.

Mr. Darrell questioned the purpose of Government committees, which he said ignored MPs, Government departments and civil servants and went a long way in "supporting condemnation of various Government departments''.

He also criticised the public school system, the East Broadway project, and the incinerator.

Calling the incinerator a "fiasco'', Mr. Darrell said it would emit toxics and create toxic waste. He questioned what Government would do after it was forced to close it down.

To combat the recession, he said the NLP would recommend a freeze of salaries and wages above a certain level; set up a non-Government audit committee for Government departments; and implement work contracts for civil servants, particularly those at top level.

Finance Minister the Hon. David Saul robustly defended Government's economic record, and forecast: "Things will get better after the winter.'' Dr. Saul said Government had anticipated and prepared for the recession, and was dealing with it.

He said social and rental assistance plans had been bolstered, a current account surplus built up, and capital projects, including the Tynes Bay incinerator and new prison, advanced.

Dr. Saul stressed Government was ready to borrow on capital accounts, but not current accounts.

Promising economic signals included an improvement in tourist arrival figures, increased spending by visitors, and a 1.6 percent rise this year in the number of international companies registered in Bermuda.

Dr. Saul said tax incentives had helped expand international business and boosted tourism.

And he held out hope the Ritz Carlton project might still become a reality.

Dr. Saul described it as a "tragedy'' and "travesty'' the Bermuda Industrial Union was not represented more often at regular forums with Government.

"It's a great pity we can't get representation from the BIU.'' Dr. Saul reaffirmed Government's commitment to revive the construction industry, dubbing it the "bedrock of the unemployment problem.'' He also said a green paper -- a discussion document -- on pensions would be brought forward.

The emphasis would be on young people planning ahead for their retirement.

Shadow Finance Minister Mr. Eugene Cox underlined the importance of tourism as an employer.

Mr. Cox said Dr. Saul had once pledged to put international business "on a par or beyond'' tourism.

But he stressed: "Tourism must be maintained because it is very labour intensive.'' Mr. Cox went on to suggest there was "collusion'' between Government and the banks.

He said in the past one bank had suddenly produced $9 million to boost housing.

And the recent reduction in interest rates also smacked of a suspect relationship between Government and the banks.

"It is important to appear honest and above board.'' Mr. Cox criticised the setting up of task forces which, he said, undermined ministerial responsibilities.

The task forces on competitiveness and tourism usurped the role of the Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge, he said.

"I would be steaming mad if I were the Minister.'' Mr. Cox stressed the cuts in interest rates were not the "be all and end all'' and would not help those most in need.

Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge said Bermuda was faring well during the recession compared to its competitors.

He said European business was increasing, and the November-March programme was proving a success.

Mr. Woolridge said he was hopeful of a German charter flight out of Europe next winter.

"I feel 98 percent sure it will happen.'' Mr. Woolridge also announced a new Boston USAir flight next spring, and pointed out British Airways was boosting its flights to Bermuda to three next summer.

More good news could also be in the pipeline if British Airways' deal with USAir went through. There was a December 24 deadline, he said.

"It could lead to additional service out of Europe to Bermuda.''