A controversial bid to re-table a knocked-back bill in what is expected to be a marathon session in the Senate will go ahead today.

But Progressive Labour Party Senate Leader Milton Scott warned that the re-introduction of the Telecommunications Amendment Act 1996 after it had been brought back with a single amendment would bring the Senate into disrepute.

The bill would open the telecommunications industry to competition. Senators from the ruling United Bermuda Party last week asked Senate president Albert Jackson to allow the bill to be placed before Senate again.

The move came after it fell on a minor amendment by five votes to six, meaning it would have to go back to the House of Assembly.

The vote was won by the Opposition PLP backed by Independent Senators. But after Telecommunications Minister John Barritt spoke to an Independent Senator and guaranteed that he would make the proposed change in the bill if it was allowed to pass, the UBP asked for the matter to be considered again.

But Senate president Albert Jackson refused to make a decision until he had sought independent advice.

And last night he was staying tight-lipped over what his final decision would be.

He said: "I am working on what I am going to say right now -- I'd rather wait and announce it to the Senate first.'' Sen. Scott said: "I would hope that the Senate president would follow custom and practice in the Commonwealth.

"Once a bill is debated and dispatched to another place, it's not on the table at the Senate. I'd hope nobody would support this move. "It would basically bring the Senate into disrepute because of a majority of the Senate said there was wisdom in changing one particular clause.'' Mr. Scott dismissed claims that holding up the bill -- which provides a framework for introducing competition in telecommunications -- would cost possible service providers money and delay the benefits of competition.

He said: "The House can reconvene and deal with it or leave it to November.'' But he insisted the course suggested by the UBP was cheapening the role of Senators, particularly the Independent Senators.

And he said the PLP was not out to embarrass Government, but had acted because some telecommunications firms were disappointed they did not get enough time to examine the proposals, as had been promised by Government.

Also on the table for the Senate tomorrow -- which added extra sittings to deal with legislation before the House of Assembly reconvenes -- is further debate on the Educa tion Act 1996, which proposes far-reaching changes in the schools system.

The changes include a drug-testing policy, a code of conduct, and the creation of middle schools for younger teenagers and so-called mega-schools to teach the upper school pupils.

Government Senate Leader Lynda Milligan-Whyte was not available for comment last night.