introduce drug testing among members.

Government Members objected to Opposition Legislative Affairs spokesman John Barritt 's motion for the house to establish a committee within 30 days of passage to "implement'' drug testing and for that testing to begin not later than February 1.

But Finance Minister Eugene Cox objected, saying the motion was "not in compliance'' with a motion passed early on Saturday, August 12.

"The Honourable Member has neglected to take into account that the original motion had considerably more description,'' Mr. Cox said. "Let's be mature and withdraw the motion and then bring it back.'' Premier Jennifer Smith , over howls of protest from the Opposition, said "we don't have a problem with the timing'' of the new motion but that it was decided that time would be needed to "come up with the methodology''.

"That Committee would certainly have to report back with the methodology on which we would operate,'' Ms Smith said.

But the Opposition feigned shock that Government appeared to be shying away from the debate.

"I'm quite aware what was passed on August 12 at 2.35 a.m.,'' Mr. Barritt said. "And that it was in agreement that we would proceed and it was double barrelled.

"What we are trying to do is establish the committee that will move it forward,'' he added. "Let's get this established and let's take the leadership on the issue. The first step is to get the ball rolling.'' When Mr. Barritt conceded that the debate did not have to take place last night but the discussion about the wording of the motion should go forward, he asked: "Why is there this unwillingness on that side to amend?'' Opposition members were shouting "what are they afraid of'' and "is it because of what (Government backbencher) Deleay (Robinson) said''.

Mr. Cox responded: "It just makes eminent sense to come back and do it right.'' Addressing the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Stanley Lowe, directly, Mr.

Barritt said: "If you say to me Mr. Barritt I want you to withdraw the motion, then I will have no option. But (because) of the government's reluctance.'' Mr. Lowe ended the exchanges by saying the matter was closed "until we can get it sorted out''.

Shadow Works and Engineering Minister CV (Jim) Woolridge said afterwards: "My point was that if we are the elected members and we can't establish the rules and set an example, what is the problem -- do they have skeletons in their closet? "Deleay Robinson came out in favour of decriminalisation of marijuana,'' he added. "I'm very disappointed that the Government are dilly-dallying with the things that are destroying the community. Why are they afraid of this?'' During the Motion to Adjourn Shadow Health Minister Kim Young said she was "surprised and disgusted'' at Mr. Robinson's call.

She said Government was sending "mixed messages'' and was "nit picking about wording'' of the motion while millions is spent on an anti-drug message.

"It boggles the mind,'' Mrs. Young, a qualified nurse, said. "The people need a clear message, something they can take home and clearly understand.

"Marijuana is a gateway drug and it actually causes physical and mental damage to people. What are they afraid of?'' John Barritt