Donald Hunter said yesterday that Finance Minister the Hon. David Saul was "missing the point'' of a speech he made earlier in the week.

Mr. Hunter emphasised that improving "the relationship and communication between BAS and the Bermuda Government'' was his main concern. He went on to clarify apparent misunderstandings of details contained in his speech to Hamilton Rotarians on Tuesday.

Referring to comments made by the Finance Minister later, Mr. Hunter insisted he did not say the Bermuda Government was breaking any laws by charging duties on airport equipment or food items used on outbound flights.

"I stated that International Civil Aviation Organisation Regulations state in Annex 9 that no member nation `should' charge duty. I did not state `could not'.'' In specific reference to foods imported solely for export on out-going flights, Mr. Hunter said: "If you were to check with the UK, USA or Canada I think you will find that duty is not charged on food or beverage that is imported for export on an airline but is kept `in bond'.'' When contacted yesterday, Dr. Saul said the regulations "quite specifically refer to airlines -- not service companies such as BAS'', adding that Customs was simply adhering to current law by charging duty on such items.

The Minister said Civil Aviation was welcome to make recommendations for changes in the regulations.

Mr. Hunter also took exception to Dr. Saul's comment that ASB was a monopoly at the Airport, saying that there was nothing to prevent the airlines from doing some of the services themselves or hire another firm.