Premier Alex Scott is due to meet with maverick Minister Senator David Burch to hear what he has to say about controversies he has been embroiled in.

However, he has indicated that he will not fire his outspoken Minister for Works and Engineering and Housing, amid calls from the Opposition to do so.

Sen. Burch ? who is said to be on vacation at present ? has been at the centre of a number of rows in recent weeks including:

Claiming that the selection process for Lt. Col. William White, the new Commanding Officer of the Bermuda Regiment, had overlooked the most suitable candidate.

Requesting that the Auditor General's office itself be audited during a brief moment in charge of the Finance Ministry while Minister Paula Cox was off-Island. He later apologised.

His Ministry announcing an 11th hour office move for the Auditor General. The AG complained this left his department lacking a computer and telephone infrastructure.

Using the term "house niggers" on his radio show before he was appointed Senator or Minister. His reference earned him a rebuke from the Island's Broadcasting Commission on Tuesday.

Earlier this week, Opposition Minister Wayne Furbert said: "Lt. Col. Burch continuously not only embarrasses the Government but the people of Bermuda."

Mr. Scott told television news last night that Lt. Col. Burch is due back on the Island on Monday. "We are to get together to discuss his ministry and portfolio in general. I think it will be a good time for me to hear his side of the headlines," he said.

Asked if he planned to fire the Minister, he replied: "I don't think so. He's a very hard-working individual." Acknowledging that Sen. Burch "does get into difficulty," the Premier added that his focus and outspokenness are also what make him valuable.