to say the Independence referendum might not go ahead this year, a Cabinet Minister said yesterday.

And it was "bad leadership'' for Mr. Wade to call for a referendum boycott, Human Affairs Minister the Hon. Jerome Dill told The Royal Gazette .

To suggest that a referendum would not be held this year "tends to contribute to the uncertainty...and the anxiety,'' in the community, Mr. Dill said.

"There's no question that the referendum will go ahead.'' Under the terms of the Independence Referendum Act 1995, the vote, if held, must take place by the end of the year.

Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan said yesterday: "I read in today's paper that Frederick Wade, the leader of the Opposition had suggested that (the referendum might not go ahead), and I think it's more his suggestion than it is the Government's.

"The Government is proceeding as is planned to hold a referendum on the question of independence and I don't know of any deviation from that.'' Deputy Premier the Hon. Irving Pearman, having said the referendum would be held in July and then in July or August, said earlier this week it could be held as late as Christmas.

Asked if the question surrounding the date did not create uncertainty, Mr.

Dill said: "I don't think it does.

"The legislation quite clearly said any time between now and the end of the year. I accept that certain people did then give their preference of July, but there was no question that there would be a referendum. The only question was basically when.'' He conceded there was "a lot of anxiety out there'' over the referendum.

"People want to know when the date is going to be laid down.'' He could only speak to the work of his committee, which was nearly ready to "sign off'' on 15 to 20 Government position papers related to Independence.

He could not say how soon the position papers would be dealt with by Cabinet and caucus, but believed they would be made public "shortly''.

It was "not true'' for Mr. Wade to say that Government had no position on Independence, Mr. Dill said.

While Government was neither for nor against Independence, "we are committed to the principle of self-determination,'' he said. "The principle of self-determination is realised once the electorate exercises its right to choose whether we remain a dependent territory.

"At the end of the day, if Mr. Wade is going to attempt to persuade his supporters to boycott the referendum, I think that's bad leadership.'' It was "his right to lead badly, but "we're not going to allow bad leadership to stop those people who want to express their views from expressing their views.'' Mr. Dill believed many PLP supporters would "see his (boycott) call for what it is,'' and still turn out for the referendum.

The Hon. Jerome Dill