Alex Scott, clashed yesterday over the policing of work permits.

Mr. Scott said in a "recent celebrated case'', a non-Bermudian working at Grotto Bay had had his work permit withdrawn.

Mr. Scott, speaking during question time in the House of Assembly, wanted to know if the man would be allowed to work here again in a different employment category.

Mr. Pearman said the man's permit had not been renewed because a suitable Bermudian had been found to fill the post. Any application for re-employment would be dealt with on its merits, but he was not aware of one.

Mr. Scott asked how many employers had been convicted in the last 10 years for infringing laws governing the employment of non-Bermudians.

No list was kept, said Mr. Pearman, but on memory there had been about 16 convictions.

Mr. Pearman replied that most offences were "misdemeanours'' -- like a porter being asked to do some cleaning during a staff shortage -- and could be dealt with by warnings.

But Mr. Scott insisted many prosecutions failed because employees were fearful for their jobs. Special investigators were needed.

Investigators already existed, said Mr. Pearman. Pressed further, he said 12 job categories were covered by a scheme ensuring that a Bermudian had to be trained for every work permit holder.