Telecommunications as a "very good investment'', noting it had made nearly $6 million for Government in the past financial year.

And its prospects for earning even more revenue this year looked good considering the "flood'' of licence applications by companies seeking to cash in on modern telecommunications services.

Dr. Saul said he agreed with Opposition MPs, "The more competition the better.'' However, Government had to be careful in considering the licence applications, he said.

Dr. John Stubbs (UBP), who is heading the committee considering the applications, said: "Our first interest is the public interest -- not protecting the interest of the monopolies.

"But we also don't want to open the floodgates of competition and destroy the good services currently available to Bermudians.'' The MPs were speaking during the Ministry of Management and Technology Budget Debate in Parliament.

Dr. Saul said Bermuda probably had "one of the most advanced telecommunications services in the world''.

Dr. Saul said the department, which comes under the Technology side of the Ministry, was the big revenue earner in the Ministry.

But the Island had also been well-served by the Management Services team of six Bermudians and five foreigners, who had conducted a number of recent surveys of Ministries.

It was their idea to move legal aid back to the lower court, he said. They had improved the Probation Services section and suggested moving Police prosecutors out of plea court.

PLP Technology spokesman Mr. Walter Lister wanted to know why the department was not yet fully Bermudianised.

He noted the top position was held by a non-Bermudian. Government must set the example and ensure its departments were 100 percent Bermudianised even it meant bringing in consultants from time to time, he said.

But Dr. Saul said the director was soon leaving and a Bermudian held the next most senior position and would be invited to apply for the top job.

Deputy Opposition Leader Mr. Walter Roberts said considering Management had completed all of its reports on ministries, there may no longer be a need for it.

Responding, Dr. Saul said he saw an "indefinite need'' for Management Services.

Speaking on the Telecommunications Department, Mr. Lister said technology may have "outstripped legislation''.

He hoped the committee vetting the "flood'' of licensing applications would keep in mind that competition helped bring prices down.

Mr. Lister was full of praise for the Bio Station's Jason Project, involving education by satellite, the Bermuda Telephone Company and Cable and Wireless' service to the community.

C&W was "a classic example of Bermudianisation''. It had offered training to numerous local youngsters.

Dr. Stubbs said the advances in technology in Bermuda showed the importance of science subjects in schools.

"Much more emphasis is needed on instruction in basic science in the schools,'' he said. "It is an absolute crime for young people to be scientifically illiterate.'' Shadow Finance Minister Mr. Eugene Cox said he believed science was as important as English and maths.

Ministry of Management and Technology Department Objective: To provide support to the Government by, (a) Promoting the effectiveness and efficiency in the public service by exercising control over organisation and resource allocation and by improving management practices, and; (b) Assisting the telecommunications authority in the orderly development of telecommunications in Bermuda.

Budget estimate: $1,068,000 (last year $968,000) Management Services $729,000 Telecommunications $339,000 Revenue: Telecommunications $5,700,000 Capital Expenditure: Development $0 Acquisition $12,000.