Concluding Monday's debate of the Ministry of Community and Cultural Affairs budget. Speaking is the shadow minister, Mr. Leon (Jimmy) Williams.

"They (the library) are not on the top priority of Government's list. There are two people on the floor in the reference room of the Bermuda library and they need a third person with professional training,'' said Mr. Williams.

"Through the years we have heard comment about an elevator being installed at the library. It is difficult for the handicapped, elderly and people with baby carriages to get up to the circulation room and people feel Government is responsible for the library and should put the elevator in.'' Mr. Williams suggested to Mr. Furbert that he "put the elevator on his priority list so next year you can get up and brag.

"Why would a caring Government not give attention to the library. The Minister was so brief in his summary that I can't even remember what he said.'' Mr. Williams also said that the PLP was concerned that only $300 to $600 are given to historical societies.

And he added that the increased capitalisation of small business policies was implemented one year too late.

"The Minister may use political statements to look good and do walkabouts looking at small businesses but they are not prepared to help small businesses,'' Mr. Williams said.

"There was a letter given out by the Ministry of Transport stating that they would be clamping down on trucks being on the roads on Sundays.'' He also said that there were no funds for cultural research. And he questioned the Minister's dedication to the arts.

"The Menuhin Foundation turns our excellent students who will go on to further studies. It is promoting culture in Bermuda and needs more financial support.'' Mr. Williams also said the lack of support for all branches of culture would show that "we are falling far short of the department's mental objectives and we are going to have to put some money into this area if our Bermudian talents are to be nourished and encouraged.'' He added that The Royal Gazette editorial was "spot on'' when it questioned who was making the decisions and why the Minister wanted a cultural centre before checking with other organisations.

"We must work in the interest of Bermuda.'' In rebuttal to Mr. Williams' comments about the Ministry of Transport, the Hon. Maxwell Burgess said, "those persons that need their trucks to be on the road on Sundays can go down to the Transport Control Department and get their licences back.

"Government is terribly concerned with the arts. Mr. Williams is rambling on like a drunken sailor. Small businesses will see that they have a Government that understands business and they will get their fair shake,'' said Mr.

Burgess.

Mr. Leon (Jimmy) Williams