Shadow Tourism Minister David Dodwell will today attempt to set the record straight over his hotel The Reefs and refute allegations that it was on the verge of closing.

Tourism Minister David Allen made the claim during a furious attack on Mr. Dodwell in the House of Assembly on Friday night when he alleged The Reefs was saved from going "bust" by an application to the Hotel Concessions Act.

Mr. Dodwell is expected to say his hotel was in good financial shape when the application was made and it will not be closing.

And he will express concern that the Progressive Labour Party appears to be tolerating this type of bitter personal attack, and allowing details of what should have been confidential business information to be dragged across the floor of the House of Assembly.

A hotel source said yesterday that hoteliers were "shocked" that Mr. Allen had revealed details of a private business conversation to MPs and the public.

"There is a degree of shock and no-one quite understands what sent him off. Hearing what's been reported on the radio, Mr. Dodwell's comments were fairly measured, and why he went off the deep end, no-one knows. He's under a lot of pressure," said the source.

Mr. Allen said on Friday that Mr. Dodwell, who owns The Reefs, called him to ask when the concessions were going through because he was meeting with his bankers.

Mr. Allen told MP's that he gleaned from that call that the luxury property in Southampton would have closed if it did not obtain concessions under the Hotel Concessions Act.

In an angry outburst he told MP's: "That member (Mr. Dodwell) was going to go bust without the Act."

He continued: "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore. I'm very angry, I'm going to tell it like it is."

Michael Winfield, president of Cambridge Beaches, which also received relief under the Hotel Concessions Act, said Mr. Allen's comments were a cause for concern.

"Everyone would be concerned if private conversations become public knowledge on the floor of the House and it's a pity that happened," he said.

"I wish that all concerned would focus on what's needed to correct the current situation as opposed to attacking individuals, which I view as totally counter-productive.

"David Allen is very passionate about tourism and you can understand him becoming emotional, nevertheless, I would hope that all concerned would resist that type of thing in the future."

Mr. Dodwell was discussing his response at a meeting with United Bermuda Party colleagues last night. Yesterday, he said he would not comment on the matter until today.

Premier Jennifer Smith did not respond yesterday to questions asked through Government Information Services about whether she will take any action against Mr. Allen.