proposed law which would allow funeral homes to operate their own limousine service.

Since the passage of the Motor Cars Amendment (No.2) Act 1999 in the House of Assembly last Friday, it has emerged that only one of the Island's five funeral homes expressed interest in providing such a service for mourners.

The funeral home is believed to be D.H. Augustus & Sons Funeral Home, whose owners are known Government supporters.

David Augustus is an organiser for the Progressive Labour Party and considered offering himself as a PLP candidate in the Devonshire North by-election when that seat was vacated by the death of Frederick Wade.

The controversial limousine service amendment, which triggered a protest last Friday outside the House by some taxi drivers who claimed that the move would hurt their business, passed by a 20 to 12 majority. Four MPs -- Bermuda Industrial Union president Derrick Burgess, veteran politician Reginald Burrows, taxi owner/driver Elvin James, and backbencher Dale Butler -- left the House before the vote.

And yesterday the bill narrowly passed -- six to five -- in the Senate, after a blunder by Independent Sen. Jeanette Cannonier.

PLP Sen. David Burch, who proposed the bill, claimed that although only one funeral home wanted to be able to offer a limousine service, the other four funeral homes supported the bill.

MP mum on funeral homes But inquiries by The Royal Gazette revealed that four funeral homes neither opposed nor supported the new measure.

Doreen Williams-James, of Alpha Memorial Chapel in St. George's, said she would not be getting a limousine as she had several taxis on call should her clients require transportation.

The Amis Memorial Chapel also said they had no plans to get a limousine because they have eight taxicabs who regularly serve them.

Andrew Blaney, of Bulley-Graham Funeral Home, said: "We have no interest in getting a limousine.'' And C.W. Pearman & Son Funeral Service also said they had no interest in offering a limousine service.

D.H. Augustus & Sons Funeral Home did not wish to comment on the matter.

With regard to Government's inquiries about the service, three of the funeral directors said Transport Control Department director Donald Dane had called them some months ago and that they had told him they would not need nor were they desirous of obtaining a limousine.

Dr. Brown, who proposed the new law, this week said he had fully explained his position during the debate in the House and did not wish to comment further.