A total of 11 questions answered in the British Parliament recently have thrown some light on Bermuda and its relations with Britain.

Those responses revealed that Britain spent nothing on running costs, staffing and entertainment and hospitality for the Governor's residence in Bermuda, just like in the Caymans.

However, Britain did contribute in other islands including Gibraltar where it spent more than 500,000 pounds sterling.

The questions also revealed a review by two senior officers (one recently retired) from Kent Constabulary visiting Bermuda in June 2007, at the request of the Commissioner of Police, to review the conduct of the Bermuda Police Service investigation into the leak of confidential Police files was being "managed in a competent and professional manner" according to Government Minister Meg Munn.

And Government resisted his request to appoint a senior United Kingdom police officer to conduct an inquiry into allegations of impropriety in the conduct of the Bermuda Housing Corporation's affairs.

The questions also revealed Bermuda had the highest gross domestic product per head with an average of $76,403 compared to second-placed Caymans at $48,704

Mr. Mackinlay, who believes conscription in peace time is wrong, particular if it discriminated on gender, also asked about the Bermuda Regiment.

He wanted to know what recent inspection had been conducted to ensure that deficiencies identified in a damning report submitted in November 2005 had been rectified.

Ms Munn said Britain's Assistant Military Attaché in Washington had assessed the Bermuda Regiment's capability in November 2006.

She said: "Good progress has been made on implementing recommendations from Colonel Baxter with regard to training and in particular on improved training for junior commanders. In terms of equipment replacement — namely vehicles, communications, weapons and boats — bids for funding have been submitted to the Bermuda Government and are to be addressed over a five-year period."