Moniz called on Government to delay debating new legislation on shipwrecks.

The Historic Wreck Act was tabled in the House of Assembly last Friday and is due to be debated by MPs tomorrow.

But last night Mr. Moniz claimed there had not been enough time to consider the new legislation which he said contained fundamental flaws.

"I want it to be debated in the next sitting, in May, which was when it was originally due to be debated,'' said Mr. Moniz.

"There are numerous deficiencies in the Bill. There are no regulations in force and I do not see any requirement for people to report a new wreck,'' he added.

The Historic Wreck Act has already split the Island's diving and archeological groups.

Dr. Ed Harris, director of the Maritime Museum, claims Bermuda will give away its national heritage if the Bill, which replaces the 1959 Wreck and Salvage Act, is passed.

He claims the public has been denied a chance to debate the legislation which could tie Government up in costly legal disputes and give licence holders exclusive rights to dig up a wreck.

And Dr. Harris, who sits on the Historic Wrecks Committee, said new legislation drafted in 1989 but never passed moved wrecks from the Finance Department to the more suitable Community and Cultural Affairs department.

Finance Minister Grant Gibbons said the new Bill increased wreck protection, introduced a new $10,000 fine for anyone breaking the law and clearly stated that wrecks were owned 100 percent by the Crown.

Last night he was backed up by Robert Steinhoff, chairman of the Historic Wrecks Committee which advised Government on the legislation.

He said the legislation created new categories such as historic, open and interest wrecks, which increased protection.

"The new legislation will help to prevent a situation like the Constellation where people have been pulling it to pieces,'' said Mr. Steinhoff.

He added that consideration was given to making it an offence not to report a new wreck, but it was felt it was not practical and the new legislation meant the wreck was still protected.

"The legislation will help to protect wrecks for future generations of divers and tourists,'' he added.