Hon. David Saul has charged in response to criticism of Government's handling of the economy.

Opposotion Leader Mr. Frederick Wade said last week that Dr. Saul's proposals for wage freezes and more programme cuts would drive Bermuda further into recession. He said Government should be working to create more jobs -- and not just in the construction industry.

But Dr. Saul said on Friday the PLP had to understand Government's money was in fact the tax payer's.

"It is only natural that a prudent Government, not wishing to put an extra burden on the taxpayer by increasing taxes, must cut programmes and make reductions,'' he said.

He added Government building projects created jobs for those in "a whole series of industries'', not just for construction workers.

"The PLP just does not grasp the fundamentals of how the economy works,'' Dr.

Saul said. "It would be wonderful to provide more jobs and build all sorts of things, but that requires the taxpayer's money and it would not be fair to tax him more to spur the economy on.'' Dr. Saul said that becasue of Government's "wise'' management of the economy through the recession, he believed Bermuda would emerge "a more efficient machine''.

He said new prospects in tourism and international business had been explored and would boost Bermuda's recovery.