fellow cabinet member Telecommunications Minister Renee Webb that some Police officers were corrupt.

Ms Cox also said it was important that people making allegations should be able to substantiate them. In Thursday's Royal Gazette Ms Webb alleged some officers lie and doctor the truth after a row when a parking space was denied her at the Rugby Classic final last Saturday.

But in the House of Assembly yesterday Ms Cox called for anyone who was a witness to corruption to complain through the proper channels.

She added: "I have to state categorically and unequivocally that I'm not aware of instances of corruption with in the Police Service.'' "Having said that, it is untenable, unacceptable, and inappropriate for official documents to be leaked to the press.

"There are procedures for that and in the real world there are standards that must be met,'' she explained. "You can't pick and choose which standards you adhere to.'' Ms Cox said she wanted to associate herself with comments by Commissioner of Police Jean-Jacques Lemay defending the Service, particularly the call for the public to make official complaints.

"If we are going to impugn the integrity of anybody then we should follow procedure,'' she added. "We must make sure we get it right. And that these suggestions can be substantiated.'' The split between Ms Webb and Ms Cox lead to Shadow Home Affairs spokesman Michael Dunkley calling for heads to roll.

"This has sent shock waves throughout the community. This is a very serious charge from a Government Minister,'' he said.

"It can't be acceptable for such charges to be levelled at the Police Service.

He said the Premier should clarify the issue.

Mr. Dunkley said: "If the Minister of Telecommunications can't substantiate her claims she should resign.

"If the Minister of Public Safety is presiding over a corrupt Police service she should resign.

"And if this situation can't be resolved the Premier should resign. It's a very serious issue.

"When one Minister speaks they speak on behalf of everybody in the cabinet.

It's collective responsibility.

"People in Bermuda are talking about corruption. Do we need to pull out Websters dictionary to find out what that means? "It is not about not getting a car park space or getting a ticket for speeding.'' Mr. Dunkley said such accusations would have landed Ms Webb in court for slander if made in the business world.

He said outraged Policemen had approached him to voice their concern. "This situation needs to be cleared up for the good of Bermuda,'' he added.

He said charges of corruption would now be randomly thrown at Police as they went about their job after Ms Webb's outburst. "Ninety-nine point nine percent of our Police officers are fantastic law officers and we want to support them,'' he said.

"We are talking about respect for the law going down the drain.'' Attorney General Dame Lois Browne Evans said: "If you think the Premier ought to resign because a member of her Cabinet makes remarks not on policy and we are collectively responsible then you have not learned your lesson.'' Dame Lois said collective responsibility only held for matters of policy.

"He can call for resignations 'til the cows come home -- it won't happen.

"Whatever he thinks, internally we will deal with it.'' She asked: "Do you spank your child in public?'' Opposition leader Pamela Gordon quoted the Bermuda Constitution which said ministers were responsible collectively for all things done in the execution of their office.

She added: "She (Renee Webb) said she was a minister 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And she's 100 percent correct.'' Ms Gordon said the serious allegations needed to be substantiated.

"The Police are in the front line protecting this country.

"If these allegations are left dangling what message does this send to youngsters who have a problem with authority? "When two ministers say two different things one must be right and one has to go.'' She said personal insecurities by Government ministers were getting in the way of real issues.

"If it's not race it's because no one likes us,'' said Ms Gordon.

Former Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson called for more community Policemen after suffering rudeness from an officer on the phone.

He said: "We need a Policemen in every postal zone.'' He called for community officers to live in districts, get to know everybody by name and to build up a relationship with their neighbourhoods to build up trust.

Further coverage of yesterday's debates will appear in Monday's Royal Gazette .

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