The foreshore and seabed legislation looks almost certain to be law by Christmas.

The Parliamentary select committee which has been hearing submissions on the bill will report back to Parliament on Friday. The overwhelming bulk of the submissions have been against it.

The bill will not have the support of the Government's ally United Future, which wanted it delayed over the holiday break to allow for further consultation. However it will be supported by New Zealand First after the Government agreed the Crown would take over ownership.

Prime Minister Helen Clark describes the negotiations over the bill as MMP in action. She believes Tainui MP Nanaia Mahuta will be the only Government MP to oppose it, although Georgina Beyer is also not happy with the bill.