More than 80 submissions were heard on the Qoliqoli Bill in Vanua Levu, with overwhelming support for the proposed legislation.

Chairman of the parliamentary select committee on Natural Resources and Economic Services Mitieli Bulanauca said a summary of the presentations with recommendations would be presented to Parliament next month.

He said almost all chiefs, heads of mataqali and village elders supported the Bill and recommended some changes.

Mr Bulanauca said although a lot of them did not understand the legal intricacies of the Bill, they knew what it was about and supported it.

He said the highest number of submissions in the northern division was from Labasa and Savusavu.

Mr Bulanauca said suggestions were made to improve some clauses and the Native Land Trust Board's ability to handle the extra leases was also questioned.

He said the committee was hearing submissions in the Nausori and Suva areas this week and would travel to the western division next week.

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