Cabinet Minister Terry Lister denies there is a conflict of interest with him holding the Development and Opportunity portfolio as well as the Environment Ministry.

Shadow Transport Minister Erwin Adderley said that, as Minister for Development and Opportunity, Mr. Lister would be promoting building on BLDC land.

But if the public objected, Mr. Lister would then be expected to adjudicate the appeal as Minister for the Environment.

Mr. Lister picked up the Environment brief when Arthur Hodgson was sacked after challenging Premier Jennifer Smith for the leadership of the party.

But yesterday Mr. Lister said the merging of roles was good for the Island. He said: "I think the combination of the two ministries at this point in history is a very good thing.

"We have the responsibility for the development of two significant properties -- Wedco and building out of Southside.

"Wearing the Environment Minister's hat I have a better appreciation of what we need to do to keep up the standard of criteria for Bermuda.

"In the forward planning section we take a long-term view, they are very much involved in the City plan and very much involved in St. George's becoming a World Heritage site.'' He said Wedco had a long-term plan while the BLDC at Southside also had a five-year plan.

Mr. Lister said: "There's an opportunity to cross-fertilise now with the combined ministries, previously there was no obligation to do that.

"They are different departments with different responsibilities and I expect all the people to be very good; that's my experience to date and I don't think that's going to change.'' But Mr. Adderley said Mr. Lister misunderstood the point he was making. The former Planning Director said: "Civil servants in both ministries are capable of advising him. The problem is appeals -- it's Caesar to Caesar.'' Terry Lister ENVIRONMENT ENV