From Wednesday's transcript of hearings in Turks and Caicos, the testimony of Deputy Premier Floyd Hall being questioned by Sir Robin Auld QC, head of the Commission – and also a Justice of Bermuda's own Court of Appeal.

Q (Auld): So is there a statutory impediment for a real estate agent who happens to be in Cabinet getting paid a commission for soliciting a sale of land in the course of ordinary business?

A (Hall): I am not aware of any impediment.

Q: Would you accept that probably there needs to be some statutory regime prohibiting ministers from actively engaging in a trade, calling or profession while ministers of the government?

A: I don't know if I agree with that, because I believe in Bermuda you can be a minister and still carry on your profession and unless there is something more compelling to suggest otherwise, I don't think that we need to have a statutory provision that prevents ministers from doing that.

Q: Do you think that such a provision would enhance transparency in government?

A: I think the area dealing with declarations probably ought to be more rigorously enforced as opposed to a provision that prevents a member of the executive from practising his or her professions.

Q: More rigorous enforcement of declarations of interest?

A: Yes.