report on Bermuda's criminal justice system.

Copies will then be sent to MPs, followed by the Press. They will also be available to the public.

The report finally arrived this week, after being delayed through a computer fault in England.

Social Services Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness said he had not seen the report.

The only people with copies were the Bermudian members of the Criminal Justice Review team.

"The report is being printed at the moment, and I am sure copies will be sent to the Cabinet over the next week or so,'' said Mr. Edness.

"As soon as Cabinet has had the opportunity to see it, it will be sent out to MPs and also to the public.'' Mr. Edness said it was highly unlikely MPs would have copies before the New Year.

Judge Tumim, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons in England and Wales, carried out a review this summer of Bermuda's criminal justice system.

Mr. Edness said he believed Judge Tumim's report would help point Bermuda in the correct direction.

"He kept talking about putting up signposts for us to follow. I think his report will serve the Country well.'' Mr. Edness, who has seen a draft copy of the report, declined to speculate on the final version.

It is thought likely, however, Judge Tumim will spotlight the disproportionate number of young black males in prison.

The issue sparked heated debate when he attended a public forum on the Island's criminal justice system.

It was also raised by Government consultant Dr. David Archibald in his report on a national drugs strategy for Bermuda.

The application of the law discriminated against blacks, said Dr. Archibald.

Judge Tumim is also expected to focus on the role of Police.

But the problem of overcrowding is unlikely to feature greatly since Government has already set out to tackle it by building a new prison.