row over competition out of court, it was revealed yesterday.

The firm recently issued an appeal against Government's decision to open the worldwide telephone business to competitors, including TeleBermuda.

But yesterday Cable and Wireless general manager John Tibbles said he hoped the case would not reach the Supreme Court.

"It is a situation we never wished to be in, but felt we were compelled to act because of the circumstances,'' he said. "It is our hope that there is still time to settle things in a constructive and amicable way. We hope to sort everything out before it reaches the Supreme Court.'' It was also revealed yesterday that English barrister Lord Lester QC has had talks with Cable and Wireless about its case during his recent stay on Bermuda.

Lord Lester was on the Island as part of former Assistant Police Commissioner Wayne Perinchief's legal team.

Mr. Tibbles said Lord Lester joined some discussions last week with Cable and Wireless' lawyers about the case, but it was not yet decided if he would be involved in any Supreme Court proceedings.

"We had some discussion with Lord Lester about the state of this particular legal action last week,'' said Mr. Tibbles.

Cable and Wireless now enjoys a monopoly on the international market -- which will be shattered when TeleBermuda begins business.

Cable & Wireless has lodged a Supreme Court appeal against Technology Minister John Barritt's decision to grant a public telecommunications service licence to TeleBermuda. The company feels the terms of its licence -- which require three years notice of any competition -- have not been complied with.

It says it should have been given the required notice -- or damages which could total millions of dollars.

Cable and Wireless also believes the Constitution forbids Government from insisting that it share its network.

GOVERNMENT GVT