fiery finale to Upper House debates last night.

Mr. Oughton, an independent senator, demanded "decorum'' around the table after a series of heated arguments during the motion to adjourn.

Both Government and Opposition senators repeatedly aimed accusations at their counterparts instead of addressing the President according to Senate protocol.

Four senators called points of information to interrupt rival speakers and make their points.

And Government Sen. Yvette Swan called a meeting with Mr. Oughton at the end of the session, claiming an Opposition politician had made a personal slur against her.

The closing minutes of the session had focussed on Operation Cleansweep, the Bermuda Telephone Company industrial dispute and the refusal to allow PLP leader Jennifer Smith to open a fair at Spice Valley Middle School.

But senators began making personal comments, the arguments became more intense and the President intervened.

"I want decorum back in this chamber,'' said Mr. Oughton, who replaced Albert Jackson last week. "Everybody's playing a bit of a game here.

"Let's settle now and ease down. If there is one further interruption, I will adjourn this chamber immediately.'' Senators had earlier passed three new laws.

The Government Loans Amendment Act sets out the principles for a "sinking fund'' -- a reserve account aimed at collecting cash for Government debts, with 2.5 percent of outstanding loans being sidelined into the fund for investment.

The Revenue Amendment and Validation Act tightens the procedure which allows duty disputes to be settled in or out of court, if individuals disagree with penalties imposed by the Collector of Customs.

And the Marine Board Amendment Act allows sail training vessels to be exempted from port duties and tolls. All three bills passed into law unopposed.

Sen. Alf Oughton