to Bermuda with an open mind to consult the public over Government plans to amend the constitution.

John White, the head of the FCO overseas territories department, said Britain would look at all proposals for change, not just those put forward by the Progressive Labour Party to reduce the number of MPs and introduce single seat constituencies.

Mr. White began a four-day on-Island consultation process yesterday with an opening meeting and press conference at Government House attended by about 100 people, including every MP and party-appointed Senator.

A further public meeting will be held tonight at 6 p.m. at Government House, but the remaining sessions will be closed to the media.

Members of the public wishing to make a submission can contact Government House and request a private meeting with the FCO officials.

But the United Bermuda Party later questioned whether Britain was taking the consultations seriously after The Royal Gazette learned that Mr. White flew out of Bermuda hours after the process began, leaving it to junior FCO officials to carry out the consultations.

Opposition Leader Pamela Gordon told The Royal Gazette : "It brings even greater confusion to know that the head delegate is leaving at lunchtime and will not be able to hear a substantial input of those invited to make comment.

"We are trying to ascertain how serious an issue is this for the UK Government and what is their intention? "If this was an important issue for the FCO, why is the Minister for Overseas Territories Baroness Scotland herself not here? John White leaving shortly after the beginning of the process is very frustrating.'' But Deputy Governor Tim Gurney said Britain was taking the consultations seriously. Mr. Gurney said FCO deputy legal advisor Ian Hendry and FCO Bermuda representative Caroline Rowett were handling the consultations.

Mr. Gurney said: "He was introducing and Ian Hendry and Caroline Rowett are running it. It is absolutely being taken seriously.'' Mr. White told the opening meeting at Government House: "I hope to reassure you that the issues that are being discussed this week are being taken very seriously in London.

"Changing constitutions is not a matter that should be taken at all lightly.

The constitution enshrines the link between the UK and the particular overseas territory.

"It is the most fundamental expression of the rights and obligations of the executive, the legislature and the judiciary for and to the people of the territory.

"Changes should only be made when by so doing these relationships can be clarified, or to meet new circumstances not envisaged or which have evolved since the Constitution was drafted.

"And change should only be agreed when it is clear that it commands widespread support.'' In response to a question, Mr. White said Britain would consider options other than those put forward by the PLP.

He said: "We acknowledge it was in the platform and we acknowledge it is not an exclusive source of change. We give credence to ideas from that source, but we also give credence to ideas that come from other sources.'' Mr. White said there was no timetable for the FCO to make an recommendation to the Privy Council for an order in council to change the constitution.

Premier Jennifer Smith said Government had consulted widely and was planning changes to make the voting system fairer; these changes were taken for granted in many other parts of the world.

She said: "We have now consulted widely, engaging the people of Bermuda in the process. And we are confident that the time has come to move forward together to bring about the fairer and more just society we are creating here for all the people of Bermuda.'' Full text and debate: Page 4