been shelved.

Economic restrictions are being blamed for the transfer which would have seen 20,000 more cases dealt with by AG staff.

And it would have meant an increase in the number of young Bermudian prosecutors.

Government has now decided to look at the plans again in six months time, according to Attorney General Mr. Walter Maddocks.

Mr. Maddocks agreed that the new system would have had advantages despite the increased workload for his offices.

At present Crown Counsel from the AG's chambers only deal with certain cases in Magistrates' Court and all Crown prosecutions in Supreme Court. Most Magistrates' Court cases are dealt with by Police prosecutors.

The changeover would have meant that some 20,000 cases annually would have been transferred to Crown Counsel to prosecute.

Mr. Maddocks said: "It was something that was being considered but because of the economic situation the Government decided that it should be reconsidered in six months time.

"I do not know what the cost would be, but it would have been substantial. We were lacking both the software and the hardware for the system.

"It would have meant a lot more work for my chamber. It would have been an opportunity to employ one or two young Bermudian prosecutors. That is something we are always trying to do -- increase the numbers of Bermudians in the chamber.

"I think there will be advantages when it comes through, but the Government now wants to take another look at it in six months time.''