Premier Alex Scott has shuffled his Cabinet again in the the wake of Ewart Brown's resignation, giving Housing Minister David Burch the tourism portfolio and making Walter Lister new Transport Minister.

At a 4.30 p.m. press conference, Mr. Scott praised Dr. Brown's record in Government and played down speculation that the Progressive Labour Party was divided.

The Premier hailed Dr. Brown an "enthusiastic and able advocate" for the Ministry of Tourism and Transport. He added: "I accept it's now his time to move on."

Mr. Scott said that he had a "very good relationship" with Dr. Brown.

The reshuffle means Sen. Burch now has the mammoth task of handling Housing, Works and Engineering and now Tourism.

Asked if he thought that was too big a job, he replied: "Maybe for some, but I don't think it's for me. I thrive on hard work."

The change also means that Mr. Lister, previously Minister Without Portfolio, now takes on transport.

Dr. Brown had previously held both Transport and Tourism.

Earlier today - and after weeks of intense speculation - Dr. Brown announced that he was resigning from the Cabinet to fight for the leadership of the Progressive Labour Party and the country.

See tomorrow's Royal Gazette for a full report on Dr. Brown's resignation and the subsequent Cabinet shuffle.