Backbench Government MPs have been driving the controversial oversized cars which were brought in purely for the use of Cabinet ministers, it emerged last night.

Government Whip Ottiwell Simmons did not deny a charge in the House of Assembly last night that he was spotted driving one of the GP cars.

The embarrassing revelation came after Shadow Environment Minister Gary Pitman claimed backbenchers were driving the cars.

Health Minister Nelson Bascome rose to challenge him, saying he was misleading the House, and asked him for "one name''.

Mr. Pitman said he was recently driving behind Mr. Simmons who was driving a GP car.

Mr. Pitman gave Mr. Simmons the chance to deny it to ensure the House was not being misled, but Mr. Simmons sat sheepishly in his seat.

Government's decision to bring in oversized cars for ministers has been a major cause of controversy, with the United Bermuda Party claiming it was a sign of the extravagance of the Progressive Labour Party.

Previously, oversized cars were only used by the Governor, the Premier, the US Consul General, and Police and Fire chiefs.

UBP MPs enjoyed the watching the discomfort the revelation caused Government.

Shadow Home Affairs Minister Michael Dunkley said to Mr. Bascome: "Thanks Nelson''.