beautifully but contained nothing finite.

She said: "It is very much in the formative phase, it's not tangible. We need to narrow the issue and seek clarification.'' She said the issue of Bermudians getting British citizenship was not properly explained in the document. It was unclear whether it would happen automatically or they would have to apply for it.

She told the House: "The Premiership has written to the UK government to seek clarification on this. Is it opting in or opting out?'' "It's a wonderful PR document but when you go beyond that you have difficulty. It's like chasing butterflies.'' Ms Cox also said it was unclear whether getting citizenship would mean Bermudians could live and work in the UK and other EEC countries.

She concluded that the document was basically a work in progress and she said she welcomed comments from the Opposition and voters.

"The Premier will give updates to the House as she becomes aware of them,'' Ms Cox said.

Ms Cox spoke following Minister of the Environment, Arthur Hodgson who welcomed the UK's wish to promote international initiatives to protect the environment, including the coral reef.

But he said Britain needed to follow up promises with action.

Government had already established a environment advisory committee, said Mr.

Hodgson. It would look at the issue of open spaces. And he attacked those who put their private interests over the public interest.

Environmental protection was about protecting the birthright of Bermudians, he said.

"We have to look after our people so they are not left in the lurch as we were in respect to the bases,'' he added.

Mr. Hodgson said Partnership for Progress was not just about learning from England -- Bermuda could teach England a thing or two about finance.

Opposition Environment spokesman Gary Pitman (UBP) said he welcomed the fact Bermudians would no longer need visas to visit EEC countries.

He said: "I like not having to spend $250 to get a visa for Germany or Austria.'' He also welcomed the UK's keenness to update environmental legislation and said Bermuda had a great track record in that area.

"In 1620 Bermuda passed an Act which sought to protect the sea turtle,'' Mr.

Pitman said. "It was considered the world's earliest conservation legislation.'' Mr. Pitman added that the issue of sustainable development was a key issue for Bermuda following unprecedented growth over the last 30 years.

"There are 22,000 private cars and 23,000 motor cycles and 5,000 other vehicles,'' he said. "They would stretch 63 miles if you placed them end to end.''