It was unclear last night how Bermudians could go about getting their new British passports when The British Overseas Territories Bill bill comes into effect in May.

Acting Governor Tim Gurney said it was likely that British passports would be issued through Washington D.C..

He said: "My advice is watch this space. As soon as details come forth we will make sure they are circulated."

Mr. Gurney said those who did not want to have British citizenship could merely continue with their current passport and then get a new overseas territory passport when the current one expired.

But he said there was also a procedure for those wishing to formally renounce British citizenship.

Mr. Gurney said leaflets distributed to Post Offices in Bermuda about the new bill had been snapped up but said there had only been a few inquiries to his office - mostly about taxes and education.

He explained Bermudians living here would not be liable to UK taxes but they also don't get cheaper education fees unless they were resident in Britain.

British citizenship can be transferred to the children of British citizens automatically, in the same way as they can transmit British Overseas Territory Citizenship at present.

Those taking up the British citizenship rights will be not be subject to UK immigration controls and can go to the UK for leisure, study and employment without gaining prior permission.

It will be possible for people in the territories to hold British overseas territories citizenship and British citizenship concurrently.

The British Government have also assured the territories that British citizens do not have a reciprocal right to live in their territories. For more information consult the FCO website on: www.fco.gov.uk.