Party last night, publicly embracing a long-standing Opposition demand for single-seat constituencies.

Other electoral changes the PLP wants could be negotiated at a Constitutional conference, the Hon. Sir John Swan said at a debate among the leaders of Bermuda's three political parties.

"We have a basis on which we can move forward'' in calling for a "yes'' vote in the August 15 referendum, Sir John said in reference to himself and Opposition Leader Mr. Frederick Wade.

He asked the PLP leader to "join hands in this initiative.'' But Mr. Wade rebuffed the offer, noting that the Premier had no authority from the United Bermuda Party or his Government to make such a deal. "He can not promise me anything that's worth anything,'' Mr. Wade told about 150 people who attended the event in Cathedral Hall, sponsored by the Bermuda Public Services Association.

"I'm not going to be responsible for making any deals myself,'' Mr. Wade added. "It's a deal the Country has to make.'' Bermuda presently has double-seat constituencies inside parish boundaries. The PLP has claimed the system takes away from one person, one vote of equal value and has called for 30 single-seat constituencies of equal size, without regard for parish boundaries.

In its most recent Independence position papers, Government said: "The Government supports the retention of traditional parish boundaries. However, those changes which might take place within the parish boundaries will be a matter for negotiation at a Constitutional Conference.'' Last night, Sir John went further, adding that he was expressing "my personal opinion.'' "I believe that single-seat constituencies, within the parish boundaries, of equal value, I have no problem with whatsoever,'' he said.

Many constitituencies held by the UBP elect one white MP and one black MP. It is generally thought that single-seat constituencies would increase black representation in the House of Assembly.

Interviewed after the debate, which also included National Liberal Party Leader Mr. Gilbert Darrell, Sir John said he offered Mr. Wade "an olive branch.'' But he said the PLP leader made it clear "he wants a lot more than we're able to offer.'' The Premier said he was prepared to "sit down'' with Mr. Wade at any time.

But deciding Independence by way of a referendum, rather than the general election favoured by Mr. Wade, was not negotiable, he said.

Mr. Wade said after the debate he had heard the Premier's verbal offer before, but he had never seen it in writing. And he repeated that the Premier had no authority to make such an offer.

The debate came on the same day a poll published in The Royal Gazette pointed to a strong "no'' vote on August 15.

Sir John said a "no'' vote would be "a step backwards'' for Bermuda which would "further divide and fragment our community.'' Mr. Wade repeated his call for supporters to abstain from voting, saying: "We love democracy more than we love Independence,'' and electoral reform had to come first.

Mr. Darrell, who favours Independence and the referendum, said: "There should be a common ground for the two leaders that are in the House, that we can get on with this thing.'' Also last night, scores of people packed into a meeting in Paget to hear the pros and cons of Independence from a panel of speakers including MPs and members of the public.

The debate drew more than 150 people to St. Paul's Education Centre.