Reports that a new Commissioner of Police will be chosen by a UK committee were yesterday criticised by Deputy Governor Peter Willis.

Mr. Willis said: "It is fatuous to suggest that the decision will be taken by a committee in London.

"It is a decision which is taken in Bermuda by the Governor and a Bermudian public body, the Public Service Commission.'' Mr. Willis was speaking after reports that a special committee in the UK would pick the new Commissioner.

The reports said the reason was to distance Government from the appointment following controversy over ex-Commissioner Colin Coxall's decision to quit his job five months early after a series of rows with Government.

But Mr. Willis said the procedure for the appointment of the Police Commissioner and his Deputy Commissioner was laid down in the Constitution.

The final decision is made by the Governor, after consultation with the Public Service Commission.

It is believed Governor Thorold Masefield will also take the advice of Her Majesty's Inspector of Dependent Territories Police Forces, Lionel Grundy.

Mr. Willis said: "That is the procedure which has been followed and which will be followed.

"The Governor will make the appointment. Before making the appointment, he will consult.'' He added: "There is a Police advisor and it would be silly not to get as much expert advice as possible.

"And he will consult the PSC in the same way as he will consult Mr. Grundy -- they are both sources of expert advice.'' Under the Constitution, the Governor is responsible for the Police force, internal security and defence.

The Constitution says the Governor has the power to appoint a Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner "and to remove or exercise disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in those offices is vested in the Governor acting after consultation with the Public Service Commission''.

Mr. Willis was backed by Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness, who has some delegated powers over policing from the Governor.

Mr. Edness said: "It's obviously utter nonsense that some British committee would be set up to select the Commissioner.

"There is a procedure laid down in the Constitution and it will be followed.

"The new Commissioner will not be selected by any British panel -- that's right out of whack.''