The deadline for written submissions to a British committee looking into overseas territories has been extended.

The Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC) initially invited witnesses to submit written evidence by October 15, 2007, but has now extended this deadline until January 31, 2008.

On the eve of the annual Overseas Territories Consultative Council meeting, the FAC will take oral evidence from various territories on Monday as it conducts a review into its relationship with territories with special attention to security and good governance.

Those giving views in London on Monday include British Virgin Islands Chief Minister Ralph O'Neil, Anguilla Chief Minister Osbourne Fleming, Cayman Islands Leader of Government Kurt Tibbetts, Turks and Caicos Islands Premier Michael Misick and Montserrat Chief Minister Lowell Lewis.

However Bermuda is not sending a representative. The Premier's spokesman said: "Bermuda has declined the gracious invitation to give evidence because the FTO's Committee will visit Bermuda early in the New Year.

"Presentations can be made at that time. Furthermore there is no pressing issue for Bermuda to present to the FTO at this time, so it seems prudent to wait."

The OTCC meetings are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Last year Premier Ewart Brown threatened Bermuda would not attend meetings of the OTCC if Governors are allowed to sit in.

However, it is understood Governors are still allowed in on the meetings but Bermuda is sending Deputy Premier Paula Cox to the meeting.

Asked about why Bermuda was attending the OTCC after last year's boycott threat the Premier's spokesman said: "There have been changes in the way the meetings are conducted and the Premier is satisfied with those changes.

"The Premier is unable to attend and the Deputy Premier will stand in. It was cost and logistically effective to have Minster Cox stand in because she was already due to be in London on a Ministry of Finance matter."