Premier Alex Scott last night scoffed at reports in the broadcast media that Government is preparing close to a $15 million dollar out-of-court settlement with ProActive Management over the Berkeley project debacle.

In a newscast last night, VSB News reported that Government wished to avoid arbitration and was on the verge of making a deal with the troubled contractor.

And sources speaking to The Royal Gazette last night further alleged Government had always intended to ultimately avoid arbitration because of concerns over potentially damaging revelations reaching the public domain regarding Government's handling of the fiasco.

"Government has merely been paying lip-service to the idea of arbitration in order to buy some time," one source said.

"But in reality they are genuinely anxious that the things they got wrong at Berkeley will be revealed and they will once again be forced onto the back foot and be required to answer concerns related to their competency."

But last night Mr. Scott vehemently denied any deal would be taking place.

Indeed, the Premier said he was "looking forward" to arbitration, arguing all Government actions would withstand the intense public scrutiny.

"We will not be giving ProActive $15, let alone $15 million," he said.

"Speaking from my vantage point, I can honestly say from all the information I have seen, that our practices will bear the light of day. It is my view the Government's behaviour will be borne out by the revelations in arbitration and we are certainly not afraid of any information going public."

Asked how long he expected arbitration to last, Mr. Scott said he "wasn't qualified" to make that kind of assessment, but was keen to stress that whether it took "one day or one year" he is confident his Government will be "vindicated."