Government could be about to attach a press officer to each ministry according to proposals now being discussed.

It could mean more jobs on the Government payroll despite Finance Minister Paula Cox saying that cuts of 10.5 percent need to be made across each department.

Currently there are four public affairs officers who all have two ministries each as well as other duties. They work under well a director and assistant director in the Department of Communication and Information.

There are nine Cabinet Ministers plus the Premier who handles two ministries Tourism and Transport meaning staff size could double if the plan goes ahead.

Nearly $3 million was budgeted for DCIlast year with nearly $1 million of that spent on the Government's TV station. The department at that time had 22 staff.

Asked if there was a move to appoint public affairs officer to each ministry Cabinet Secretary Marc Telemaque said:"DCI as a department, like all Government departments, is constantly being examined for better efficiency. The specifics I am not going to comment on."

He would not say whether DCIwould remain in place.

Asked if there would be a net increase in staff he said:"I think that discussion is premature."

Any thought of expanding the number of media officers on the Government payroll was blasted as wasteful by Opposition Finance Spokesman Bob Richards.

He said: "Government needs to look at trimming its sails under these circumstances.

"Certainly adding staff to the ranks of the civil service doesn't seem to be the proper thing to do in the present climate."

Mr. Richards said it was the job of Ministers to put out information about their departments.

Bermuda Public Services Union president Armell Thomas said: "We knew there was some talk about this but I am not worried until I see or hear anything from Cabinet."