A top Government Minister got short shrift yesterday when he turned up at the House of Assembly wearing Bermuda's national dress.

And Tourism Minister David Allen got a dressing down from Speaker Stanley Lowe for wearing Bermuda shorts to a sitting of Parliament.

Mr. Allen also got bottom marks for dress sense from the Opposition -- and an apparent talking-to from Premier Jennifer Smith after he took his seat on the Government benches.

Mr. Allen sat down after a brief conversation with Sergeant-at-Arms Michael Fuhrtz -- who earlier had ordered a reporter on the Press benches to put his jacket back on.

Mr. Lowe told MPs: "The dress code has not changed. I would encourage Members not to take liberties because they might find themselves in hot water.'' And he added that Mr. Allen was "inappropriately dressed -- even though he has considerable affinity for his shorts, they are not permitted.'' Mr. Allen -- escorted by Attorney General Dame Lois Browne Evans -- had already left the Chamber when Mr. Lowe spoke out.

But Mr. Allen -- still dressed in brown shorts, socks and a cream-coloured linen jacket -- said afterwards he was not going to drop his shorts.

And he added he would appeal to the House committee in charge of privileges to ease off on the rules.

He promised: "I will take it up with the Rules and Privileges Committee -- you can wear shorts in Government House and the Governor wears them in Government House for certain occasions.'' And he said: "I certainly wouldn't dream of not having the jacket, tie and long socks on as well.

"No disrespect was meant to the House -- and it is the country's national costume.'' Mr. Allen added: "I wouldn't want to question what the Speaker has done. He has the right to his opinion.'' And he said: "The Speaker is well-known for wearing Bermuda shorts, but not in the House. I assume under his robes he has long trousers on.'' Telecommunications Minister Renee Webb -- who made her own dramatic fashion statement early in the life of the new Government by wearing flowing black pants -- was not disciplined for breaking the House style code.

And Progressive Labour Party backbencher Delaey Robinson also cuts a stylish figure in his trademark grey linen or silk Nehru suit which buttons right up to the neck -- and minus the tie generally regarded as essential equipment for male MPs -- but he has never been singled out either.

Mr. Allen added that other Westminster-style Parliaments around the world, especially those in hot countries, adapted the traditional dress codes to suit local culture and climate.

He said: "It was just a comfortable thing to wear. It's very hot and humid and it is the uniform of the Ministry.''