the job of Bermuda's new Police Commissioner.

Lord Waddington said he was unaware of the candidates until told of those selected by Deputy Governor Mr. Peter Willis.

And he pointed out "at no time'' did he suggest anybody's name.

Lord Waddington went on to admit he had met Mr. Coxall once before.

But this was when he was Home Secretary, and had responsibility for the British Police Force.

Yesterday, however, the controversy over Lord Waddington's relationship with Mr. Coxall refused to die down.

Shadow Labour Minister Mr. Alex Scott said the Governor had a Constitutional responsibility for choosing the Police chief.

"Further investigation is warranted,'' he said.

Last week Mr. Scott and Opposition Senate Leader Milton Scott raised questions about the matter.

In the Senate, Sen. Scott alleged Mr. Colin Coxall's friendship with Lord Waddington may have had a role in his appointment as Police Commissioner designate.

Meanwhile, in the House of Assembly on Friday, Mr. Scott also touched on Lord Waddington's relationship with Mr. Coxall.

It seemed to be a case of two friends getting together for a good time in the colonies, said Mr. Scott.

This weekend's Government House statement stressed Mr. Pearman and Mr. Willis decided who should come to Bermuda for interview for the Commissioner's post.

"The Governor was not aware of candidates until told of those chosen by the Deputy Governor, and at no time suggested anybody's name to them.

"When Mr. Coxall arrived at Government House for interview, the Governor recognised him as someone he had met once when the Governor was Home Secretary.'' The statement ended: "The Governor is pleased that Sen. Milton Scott made clear that when Mr. Coxall takes over as Commissioner, he will receive his and the PLP's full support.'' Last night Mr. Scott said: "To begin with Mr. Pearman has said he did not go overseas to interview the candidates -- he went there to brief them about Bermuda.

"The Deputy Governor reports to the Governor, and who is Constitutionally responsible for the Police appointments? It is the Governor.

"The Governor has confirmed he knew Mr. Coxall,'' Mr. Scott declared. "This in my view raises a question of a conflict of interest.''