Assembly committee to keep the Bank of Bermuda under the 60/40 rule designed to guarantee majority Bermudian ownership.

United Bermuda Party backbencher Leonard Gibbons will table a motion asking the House to reject the advice of the House's Joint Select Committee on Private Bills, which came out against loosening the laws for the bank.

Mr. Gibbons said: "It is conditional on whether the Opposition will agree to suspend the rules.'' He added: "I hope they do -- it would be better to get it done.'' Opposition Whip Walter Lister yesterday declined to discuss which way his party would jump.

Mr. Lister suggested calling back later last night -- but he could not be contacted for comment.

It is understood, however that Opposotion leader Jennifer Smith will rally her troops behind the bank's bid.

But insiders believe she may try to set a condition -- Government support for a Private Bill to set up the First International Citizen's Bank, also rejected by the Private Bills Committee.

The Bank of Bermuda wants the exemption so it can seek a listing on an overseas stock exchange -- which would raise cash and boost the stock price.

Also up for debate today is legislation designed to set up an independent authority to examine complaints against Police officers by members of the public.

And proposed legislation to allow the Governor to order conscientious objectors to service in the Bermuda Regiment to carry out community service instead will also be discussed by MPs.

The planned law will also allow conscripts prepared to join the Regiment -- but not to carry arms -- to serve in non-combatant support roles.

And a bill aiming to improve the treatment of the mentally-ill will also be debated.

The Mental Health Amendment Act 1998 was drawn up to bring Bermuda law into line with international human rights legislation.

The Act, if passed, will allow patients to be detained in any hospital for 72 hours, not just a psychiatric institution and take powers currently held by the Governor and give them to the Minister for Health and Family Services.

But patients subject to a restriction order ensuring compulsory detention will have a right of appeal.

And no-one could be detained against their will without a written report from a mental health officer insisting needed treatment could not be provided otherwise.

Bank's shares plan: Business, Page 35 BUSINESS BUC