the present conscription scheme, it was hinted yesterday.

Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Paula Cox said a review of the Regiment carried out by top Army brass from the UK had made a series of suggestions.

She was playing her cards close to her chest over the precise contents of the report by a UK General.

But she said: "I think it raises things like the main capabilities and conscription which might be progressive.'' She added, however: "It's more like a shopping list -- I don't think every one will be adopted wholesale.'' Standard UK armed services doctrine in recent times has stressed small, but well equipped, services -- with an emphasis on volunteers rather than conscription.

And it is likely the UK team have suggested something similar for Bermuda, which still relies on conscription to fill the Regiment ranks.

A greater sea-going role -- also signalled last year -- could also be on the cards to plug the gaps in Bermuda's marine rescue capability.

During the Budget debate on the Ministry, Ms Cox said that axing a UK and Jamaican NCO and replacing them with permanent staff Bermudians would save cash.

And she said new processes -- including a greater use of computers -- would help the defence authorities keep tabs on people eligible for service.

But Ms Cox admitted: "Demographics are making it difficult to get enough recruits.''