Government yesterday announced it was channelling $550,000 into a $1.3 million closed circuit television system in Hamilton.

The rest of the tab will be picked up by the Corporation of Hamilton and businesses.

Yesterday Mayor of Hamilton William Boyle welcomed the crime-beating move outlined in Finance Minister Grant Gibbons' Budget.

"I think it's a wonderful idea. The Corporation definitely feels it's a good move,'' he said.

Public Safety Minister Quinton Edness also hailed the initiative and applauded Dr. Gibbons for setting aside $1.2 million in extra funds for the Police.

He said TV cameras -- earmarked initially for the Bull's Head multi-storey car park and the City centre -- should cut crime substantially.

"They should make the city more safe in what we consider problem areas. If the system works, the Minister of Finance has said we will extend it to other places.'' But Shadow Public Safety Minister Alex Scott warned of a possible invasion of privacy -- an argument flatly rejected by Mr. Edness.

"We need to know how it is going to affect our daily lives. The jury is still out on this. We need more details before supporting it,'' said Mr. Scott.

He voiced similar concerns over plans to install cameras to trap speeders.

In yesterday's Budget, Government set aside $200,000 towards traffic surveillance cameras.

But Mr. Scott said: "Bermudians deserve a full explanation of what is intended.'' Also in his Budget statement, Dr. Gibbons announced: $615,300 of the $1.2 million extra funds for 1997/98 would go towards salaries, uniforms and benefits following the civilianisation of 16 more Police posts.

This would bring to 43 the number of officers returned to regular Policing duties over the last two years, said Dr. Gibbons; Funding for better communications, reserve constabulary allowance and overtime, as well as other allowances provided under the Police Tribunal award in 1996; and An additional $50,000 to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund, an increase of 25 percent.

Dr. Gibbons told MPs: "Government understands that our efforts to seize new global opportunities are meaningless unless our homes and streets are safe and our citizens and visitors feel secure.'' Hi-tech boost for Police Service He added: "Government recognises that significant progress has been made to modernise the Police Service and make our Island community a safer place to live, work and visit.

"Crime figures are down significantly in important areas, and inroads have been made in the war against drugs.

Mr. Edness said he was delighted by the overall Budget, describing it as one of the best he had ever seen.

"It certainly provides monies to keep the Country safe and fight crime,'' he said. "I'm pleased with the amount given to the Police Service and training.

It's quite substantial and will help us put in place all the elements to complete the Service Strategy.'' Mr. Edness said he was 100 percent behind closed circuit television -- a scheme spearheaded by Police Commissioner Colin Coxall, who had had experience of it in his native England.

And he rejected Mr. Scott's concerns, saying: "How can TV cameras be intrusive? They will be there to fight crime on the streets. They won't be in people's homes and bedrooms.

"Why doesn't Mr. Scott for once in his political life recognise something good? We are waiting with bated breath for him to come out and support the Police on something.'' Mr. Scott, however, countered: "We don't know the plan and until I hear what exactly is intended I would reserve comment.

"There are so many ways a camera can be used inoffensively. But there are also ways in which it can compromise the rights of private citizens and intrude on privacy.

"I know Mr. Coxall says he has experience of such cameras and wants to transplant them here. But because they work elsewhere doesn't mean they will work here.'' Mr. Scott said additional money for the Police may be helpful and warranted.

But he wondered why former Police Commissioners -- who hailed from Bermuda unlike Mr. Coxall -- had been denied extra funds, despite repeated pleas.

"What is the magic of Coxall which enables him to attract millions?'' he asked.

Corporation of Hamilton secretary Roger Sherratt believed a closed circuit TV system could be in place by the end of the year.

Mr. Sherratt said Government and the Corporation were behind a joint study last year on closed circuit TV.

"It was concluded it would have a substantial effect on crime in the City and particularly on bike thefts and the safety of motorists using the multi-storey car park.

"The study looked at various areas around the City and it concluded as an initial phase we could install the system in the City centre, from Front Street to Victoria Street.

"We might extend it as far to the east as Parliament Street, along Front Street, and as far west as around the Bank of Bermuda on Front Street, maybe including Par-La-Ville Road. And it would be phased in over a long period.'' Mr. Sherratt said cameras would be openly displayed and monitored by Police.

Mr. Sherratt said the Corporation was proposing to make presentations to the private sector in an effort to get its support.

"We hope we will get a financial commitment from them. We've had initial indications that the business sector is interested in it. We will also be seeking input from the general public, pointing out that such a system is for everybody's benefit.'' Mr. Boyle said closed circuit TV had proved its worth in London.

"I've seen it in operation and it's amazing how it works. We see it as a preventative measures.

"I don't see it as a replacement for Policemen. We want more officers on the street, but we can't have them on every corner.'' A Police spokesman explained closed circuit TV cameras were normally mounted on buildings, acting as crime prevention tools.

Cameras to trap offending motorists were usually mounted on a pole or tripod, he added.

"They record speeds and take pictures of vehicles, including their licence numbers.''