letters from Government asking for feedback about proposed changes to the Constitution days after the issue had already been decided by MPs.

A number of residents received the six-page document, which includes information about all of the changes, on Wednesday and Thursday this week.

Premier Jennifer Smith wrote the letters to 37,000 households on November 10 asking for voters' input on the proposals before the debate took place in the House of Assembly.

However, they were only sent out this Monday -- three days after the amendments had been discussed in Parliament.

The letters, on Government letterhead, outlined why Government wanted to make the changes and the process so far.

They went on to read: "You should also know that you will have an opportunity for input into any changes proposed to Bermuda's constituency boundaries by the Boundaries Commission, prior to a debate on same in Parliament, and, in keeping with the Constitution of Bermuda, such changes will only become effective at the next General Election.

"In closing, I invite you to make sure that your Member of Parliament represents YOUR views when the motion for constitutional changes comes up for debate.'' During the marathon 25-hour debate in the House last Friday and Saturday, Government was accused by the United Bermuda Party of failing to properly inform people about its proposals.

And Premier Smith said she was disappointed with the number of people who had turned out to hear the debate in the House, suggesting that voters were completely happy with Government's plans.

The changes could see the introduction of one-seat constituencies and a reduction in the number of MPs.

However, the Opposition and some residents have appealed to Government to hold a constitutional conference on the issue, where members of the public could submit their opinions and all options could be discussed.

But that suggestion was defeated by Government, who voted instead to make the changes without a conference and instead just put its proposals to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London for agreement.

Last night, Mr. Cox apologised for the delay in the letters, but said it was still not too late for people to give their views.

He said it was not Government's intention for the letters to be sent out so late.

"The Premier wrote the letters to some 37,000 persons in November and sent them out asking for their input with reference to the constitutional changes,'' he said. "As for the delay, I can't specifically state, but it did not happen at the Premier's office.

"They were sent out to one of the printing facilities which printed the letters, and then they had to be sent somewhere else for individual addresses to be put on.

"I think the letters just reached the Post Office on Monday, December 5. It seems the process took a little longer than at first thought.

"I apologise for that, and I expect the Premier will do the same in due course.

"But all is not lost. Certainly, people can still feel free to send in their views as we have another debate to come on the boundaries commission.''