critics of his proposed changes to the second-hand car law had "completely misrepresented the facts''.

He noted there had been hardly any complaints about the new law since it was announced at the end of last year.

The law, which has been sharply criticised by The Royal Gazette for adding to the Island's traffic problem, will allow people to sell their car and buy a new one without having to wait a year, as has previously been the case.

Calling the current law "outdated'', Mr. Marshall denied the new legislation would cause used car dealerships to sprout up on the Island.

He stressed: "The current law which prohibits second-hand cars lots will not change.'' He also disagreed with the charge that there would be an increase in beat-up cars on the road.

"Second hand cars will undergo the same rigid examination as all cars now do ... currently there are cars of varying ages on the road and each must comply with the same strict guidelines,'' he pointed out.

Mr. Marshall said a point that had been ignored by critics was the balance of payments.

Encouraging a second-hand car market would mean Bermuda would import fewer cars, thereby improving the balance of payments, he said.

"In addition there will be an environmental benefit as we promote better use of our resources instead of having cars cut in half and dumped when they are still in sound working condition.

"It is also unfair to state that the poor will not get a bargain. Anyone wishing to buy a second-hand car may consider it a bargain. With so few second-hand cars now available, those least able to afford a car are forced to purchase a new or have no car at all.'' The Ministry is pushing to have the law come into effect in April.