its colonies worldwide.

That is the the view of London economist Mr. George Drower who has just published a book attacking the administration of the remaining outposts of the British Empire, including Bermuda.

In the book "Britain's Dependent Territories -- A Fistful Of Islands,'' Mr.

Drower demands that Britain reviews its policies concerning its 13 remaining dependent territories, after Hong Kong becomes part of China.

And he accuses the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of lethargy and says it often cannot be bothered to help when problems arise.

In a separate statement, Mr. Drower also alleges that the present Governor of Bermuda, Lord Waddington, was not fully briefed before he came to the Island.

The book studies the history of each territory and looks at economic and social problems they have encountered.

Mr. Drower says he believes that once Hong Kong leaves its control Britain will retain the 13 remaining dependencies permanently.

He said: "As none of the remaining territories has the slightest intention of becoming fully independent, it is becoming increasingly inappropriate to the reiterate the policy of `Independence for those who want it but not to force it one those who do not'.'' On Bermuda, Mr. Drower said: "Bermudians continue to believe colonial status and self-government provides them with the best of both worlds.

"They are content to practice de facto independence under Britain's protective wing.'' Mr. Drower also points out the advantages of being a British possession. He said: "(It) is beneficial to the tourist trade, it denotes valuable stability for their banking and insurance customers, they have technical support for the development of their shipping registers, and their defence is guaranteed.'' But he says there is disenchantment among governments about how they are treated by Britain.

Many do not believe Britain takes their problems seriously and they are constantly faced with "junior'' officials who have no real power.

He continued: "Although the territories complain Britain takes insufficient heed of their wishes, to a considerable extent they only have themselves to blame.

"They have been almost completely disunited in their dealings with Whitehall.

Their representatives rarely bother to meet.

"What the territories ought to do is to establish their own trade union and meet at Chief Minister level every year. Unlike the rather ineffectual gatherings of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, resolutions could be passed.'' Mr. Drower said that group should then seek a comprehensive official statement concerning Britain's policy towards all the remaining dependent territories.

Bermuda might receive a leading role in the group.

Mr. Drower also called for an urgent review in Westminster of the administration of the dependent territories and asked that a back bench group covering the subject should be formed.