Opposition leader Pamela Gordon owes Government $70,132.70 for improvements made to her house in Warwick, Works and Engineering Minister Alex Scott claimed yesterday.

But Ms Gordon, who was given a government grant for the house while she was Premier, said she did not owe anything because the money had all been approved by Cabinet.

Ms Gordon moved into the house in 1998 while she was Premier after former Commissioner of Police Colin Coxall said her family home in North Hamilton was an unacceptable security risk.

At the time, she said Cabinet approved a $5,000 a month allowance following Mr. Coxall's warning.

Ms Gordon, who still lives in the house, said yesterday the claim she owes money is a "low blow'' by the Progressive Labour Party to detract attention away from the $1 million being spent on home refurbishments and security for Premier Jennifer Smith along with salaries for her chief of staff and a public relations consultant.

In response to questions from PLP MP Delaey Robinson yesterday, Mr. Scott said the money was outstanding for "reimbursable improvements'' to Ms Gordon's house.

None had been reimbursed and former Cabinet Secretary Leopold Mills had written to Ms Gordon suggesting $5,000 per month be paid "for the duration of the existing lease in order to bring closure to the matter''.

"The Opposition leader sought legal advice on this proposal and in turn formally requested copies of Cabinet minutes pertinant to discussions surrounding the works carried out on the said property.

"It should be appreciated that Cabinet minutes cannot be requested for public scrutiny, and as such we could not accommodate the request. That said, the resolution of this matter is still being actively pursued.'' Ms Gordon told The Royal Gazette yesterday: "I don't personally owe any money.

"All of it goes through Cabinet and approval came from Police for me to move to Warwick for security purposes. Cabinet approved any expenditure that had to be done.

"Works and Engineering went to the Commissioner of Police who said it was for the security of the Premier of Bermuda. I never signed anything and I don't owe the government of Bermuda a penny.

"This is to offset attention from the Premier becoming the million dollar Premier.

"It's a low blow. It's downright irresponsible, but I don't expect much more from the Government and it is an indication that they will stoop to any level.'' The cost of the house was estimated at $60,000 per year and was approved by both parties in the Budget in 1998.

But it was reported that after the PLP swept to power in November 1998, Premier Jennifer Smith ordered Mr. Mills to carry out a probe into the terms of the lease for the house, which is owned by a trust.

Ms Gordon said yesterday: "Permission was granted for the residence, now out of spite the Government is trying to go after me on a personal basis.