Bermuda was mocked on US national TV last night over its use of Hawaiian pictures to promote the Island.

Tourism Minister Renee Webb was forced onto the defensive during an interview by '20/20's John Stossel. During his regular 'Give Me a Break' slot at the end of the show, he asked Ms Webb why the Tourism Ministry had felt the need to use Hawaiian pictures if Bermuda was so beautiful.

He said: "It has beautiful beaches, scuba diving and a different culture - people really wear Bermuda shorts."

The programme followed an outcry earlier this year when photographer Graeme Outerbridge blew the lid on the use of professional photographer Anne Menke's stock images of Hawaii for Bermuda's campaign.

Four Bermudian photographers were paid a total of $54,600 for background shots of Bermuda while Ms Menke, who is from the US, was paid $28,000.

But on ABC's '20/20' last night, Ms Webb played down the furore and the amount of money the pictures had cost Government.

She said: "What's important about the stock photography is it does not misrepresent Bermuda. The woman on the beach was used to represent the mood and charm that Bermuda has."There is nothing in that picture to say where it is. If you want a Rolls Royce you pay a Rolls Royce price."