of Assembly debated racism over three different days, the economy for almost 30 straight hours, traded barbs continually -- and passed some important legislation. In a special review, The Royal Gazette looks at the just completed session.

MPs "took note'' of racism and the economy before the House of Assembly adjourned for the summer.

They did little to address the first, but approved a Budget that held the line on taxes while providing relief for businesses feeling the pinch.

The governing United Bermuda Party said February's Budget was intended to bolster the recovery. The Opposition Progressive Labour Party said it was meant to win votes.

Parliament also cracked down on sex offenders, air polluters and broadcasters, while easing life for pensioners, car buyers, and traffic offenders.

A National Drugs Commission was created, and health warnings were required on printed alcohol advertisements.

Government created a register of Bermudians, gave women the same rights as men in passing their status to children born abroad, and amended the Human Rights Act to lessen discrimination due to sex, marital status, or disability.

A law was passed to make Bermuda a centre for resolving international business disputes. And plans were approved to turn the Civil Air Terminal over to a quango.

But it was the first debate after Easter and the last before the summer break that created the most stir. Both arose from "take note'' motions before the House, not the passage of any laws.

For three consecutive sitting days from May 7 to 21, MPs talked about the Tumim Report and racism, particularly the institutionalised type they said pervaded Bermuda.

The two major parties supported proposed changes to the criminal justice system. They condemned racism, each accusing the other of fostering its growth. There was no agreement on how to stamp it out.

The last scheduled sitting day on July 2 turned into a round-the-clock marathon as MPs jumped on the platform offered by a motion to "take note of the present state of Bermuda's economy''.

The motion by National Liberal Party Leader Mr. Gilbert Darrell will likely be the last one debated before a general election.

The House is not scheduled to sit again until the first week of November. An election does not have to be called until February, but a vote this fall is expected. If it came in September or October, the dropping of the writ would bring the session to a close.

That helped to explain the commotion Mr. Darrell's motion caused, as the UBP and PLP fought over Government's economic record through the night and morning and into the afternoon.

The UBP trumpeted its role in preparing for and managing the downturn. Finance Minister the Hon. David Saul said Government trimmed spending and corrected a balance of payments deficit while hiking social assistance.

The PLP criticised cost overruns on capital projects. Dr. Saul's speech was little comfort to those who lost their jobs or homes, Shadow Finance Minister Mr. Eugene Cox said.

The session which began in November had its raucous moments. Shadow Labour and Home Affairs Minister Mrs. Lois Browne Evans was ejected for her verbal outbursts during the Throne Speech debate. And Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan attacked Speaker the Hon. David Wilkinson for cutting him off during a Motion to Adjourn in December.

The return after surgery of the UBP's the Hon. John Stubbs provided drama in February. The 60-year-old Parliamentary veteran had to be carried up the stairs of the Sessions House in a wheelchair.

The moment drove home to MPs what was obvious for the handicapped. The seat of Government is inaccessible. Petitioning for a lift that never appeared, Independent MP Mr. Harry Viera boycotted the entire session.

Government Whip Dr. David Dyer said the UBP accomplished a lot, despite the fact slumping revenues and other economic realities dictated "a fairly cautious programme.'' "It was crucial not to overburden the taxpayers with new programmes, and also crucial to be able to have adequate funds there to better protect the people who had lost their jobs or found themselves unemployed,'' he said.

"I would say that we covered everything that we set out to cover.''.

The human rights amendment, combined with changes to laws governing sexual offences and immigration, made equality for women a major theme, he said.

As for addressing the economy, Dr. Dyer cited the special jobs project, pension increases, and help the Tynes Bay incinerator and prison projects gave the struggling construction industry.

As for the "take note'' debates, no new laws immediately resulted, but such motions were "essential,'' Dr. Dyer said. "They allow a relatively broad and wide-ranging debate.

"In that sense, it's healthy, not only from the political point of view, but also from a public point of view.'' Opposition Leader Mr. Frederick Wade complained the flow of legislation was such that certain items did not receive the scrutiny they deserved.

The Tumim Report received three days of debate, and the National Drugs Commission Act two, he said. Then, "at the last minute appeared some very important legislation,'' on immigration and the environment, which received short shrift.

"There's not an even flow of legislation,'' Mr. Wade said. "There's always a rush at the end.'' The PLP supported most of the laws that were passed, he said. But: "The matters that were brought, I think, were brought with a view of making the Government look good at the polls.'' The Oppositon disagreed with creation of a quango to run the Airport and broadcasting regulations that restricted freedom of speech.

Absent was a promised report on an "urgently needed'' unemployment insurance scheme, Mr. Wade said. A promised end to annual voter registration also did not appear.

Legislation passed during the 1992-93 session included: Traffic laws: Mandatory jail terms and drivers' licence disqualifica- tions for traffic offences were eliminated.

International business: A law was passed to help make Bermuda a centre for international arbitration.

Drugs: A National Drugs Commission was established. Another law required a warning on printed alcohol advertisements.

Broadcasting: The powers of the Broadcasting Commission to regulate programmes and advertising were beefed up. Greater con- trols were placed on callers to TV and radio hotline shows.

Environment: Long-awaited Clean Air Act regulations were passed.

Immigration: A law was passed to create a register of Bermudians.

Women were given the same rights as men in passing on Bermudian status to children born abroad.

Human Rights: Amendment to the Human Rights Act 1981 placed further restrictions on discrimination due to sex, marital status, or disabilities.

Crime: A tough and modern sex assault law was passed.

Transport: The sale of second-hand cars was made legal.