of a motorbike because it "looked too fast''.

Shadow Transport Minister Mr. Walter Lister (PLP) says it is another example of the Government clinging to outdated policies.

Three types of 50cc Italian motorbikes were imported into the country by Paget dealer Mrs. Denise Trew.

But, until last month, the Aprilia bikes were left to gather dust in Mrs.

Trew's Middle Road showroom held up by Government red tape.

Two of the bikes have been approved by the Transport Ministry but one, the Futura, still fails to conform to the regulations, because it looks like a racer.

In the House of Assembly, Mr. Lister said: "The answer this cycle livery firm received from the Minister is that the bike looks too fast.

"You cannot do that. The Minister says he wants to treat everybody the same but this is not the case here.

"To say that one of the bikes was turned down because it looks fast, because of aesthetics, is a foolishness.

"There was a time in this country when you really could not believe what the legislators were thinking about. The only cars allowed in the Island were painted black. The Government progressed a bit and only red cars were not allowed. Later, cars painted in designs like Starsky and Hutch were banned.'' Mr. Lister said he believed it was just as foolish to say that a bike looks too fast.

He said: "I would pay attention to aesthetics because it is part of the bicycle, but provided the bicycle comes within the present guidelines under Transport Control Department, and provided things are fully operative it should be approved.

"The PLP are trying to bring this Government kicking and screaming into the 20th Century. These crazy ideas do not belong in this time span.'' Transport Minister the Hon. Ralph Marshall (UBP) pointed out two of the three bikes had been approved.

Mr. Marshall said: "The third motorbike did not conform to a principle which has been a policy for many years.

"We stuck to that policy and turned this down, like we have turned down many others from other people. We have to treat everybody the same.''