the House of Assembly today.

At the launch of the Green Paper on Marine Resources and the Fishing Industry in Bermuda in February, Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson did not rule out the reintroduction of fish pots if the fishing stock was becoming sustainable.

The large pots sit at the bottom of the ocean trapping any passing fish and were banned in 1990 because of fears about the reduction in fish stocks.

Mr. Hodgson is keen to encourage as many members of the public as possible to listen to the debate to ensure there is strong feedback.

A Government Information Services spokesman said yesterday: "The Minister is very anxious that anyone who wants to should be able to listen to the debate on the Green Paper because it is so important for Bermuda's environment.'' Government will come back with firm proposals in a White Paper after taking on-board feedback on the Green Paper.

The environmental theme will continue when Mr. Hodgson signs an agreement to buy back the western end of Smith's Island in St. George's for what is believed to be around $200,000.

A motion from Shadow Finance Minister Grant Gibbons to debate the present and future state of international business has been held over, as has the second reading of the Motor Car Amendment Act and the Merchant Shipping Amendment Act.

Government Whip Ottiwell Simmons said Ministers will give oral answers to a number of questions submitted, but he did not have any further information.

FISHERMEN FISHERMAN FHP