remain -- after the closure of HMS Malabar.

The Hon. Malcolm Rifkind said British ships would continue stopping here.

"They will come for some rest and recreation,'' he said.

He appeared to offer little hope, however, of a British change of heart over Malabar's closure.

The Base no longer had a role as a refuelling stop for today's frigates, he said.

Mr. Rifkind is on the Island as head of the UK delegation at a conference of the British-American Parliamentary group.

Today he is expected to tour Malabar, and chat to Navy personnel.

Britain's decision to close the Base next April was announced in December.

Conservative MP Rupert Allason, who chairs the Anglo-Bermuda Parliamentary Group, has already appealed to Mr. Rifkind over the Base.

Mr. Allason is trying to put together a compelling economic case to force Britain to re-examine the closure.

Yesterday Mr. Rifkind, Defence Secretary since 1992, said he had not yet been lobbied in Bermuda over Malabar.

He added he was looking forward to touring the Base.

"It will be a good opportunity to meet the Navy personnel there.'' Mr. Rifkind, the 47-year-old Conservative MP for Edinburgh and former Secretary of State for Transport and Scotland, pointed out Malabar's role had changed in today's hi-tech world.

Traditionally, the Base had provided a refuelling stop.

But modern frigates no longer needed such a facility, he said.

"We will continue, however to have Royal Navy ships calling at Bermuda. The personnel will enjoy rest and recreation.'' Mr. Rifkind, who is here with his wife, spoke after a House of Assembly welcoming ceremony for the British-American Parliamentary Group.

During the ceremony, Bermuda's Opposition leader Mr. Frederick Wade touched on the closure of the US Base.

He said he understood America's decision to shut the Base in the post-Cold War climate.

"I look forward to the opportunity the Base closure will provide for us,'' he said.

Mr. Wade also mentioned the dream he shared with Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan of Bermuda going independent.

He pointed out Bermuda could become an international venue for conferences after Independence.

Sir John hailed the "great nations'' of Britain and America, applauding their democratic institutions.

Speakers also underlined the historic significance of South Africa's all-race elections.

Members of the Parliamentary Group later met at the Senate Chambers for high-level talks.

They were due to hold three closed-door sessions, discussing general policies, economies, trade and security.

Heading the US delegation is Tom Lantos, the Hungarian-born Congressman from California's 12th district.

He led the delegation in place of Rep. Lee Hamilton, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, who was unable to make the trip.

The group meetings in Bermuda are a tradition going back decades.

They are aimed at discussing problems common to the UK and America, and promoting friendly relations.

The group is here until Sunday.