Premier the Hon. Irving Pearman said yesterday.

Mr. Pearman, who had earlier targeted a July date for the plebiscite, said yesterday that Government was studying "the July/August period.'' "It's under review, obviously,'' and a decision "will probably be made in the next week or so''.

In the Senate on Wednesday, Senators talked about the need for Independence education prior to a referendum. Questions have been raised about whether there is time to hold the referendum prior to the Cup Match holiday on August 3 and 4.

Government has said it wants to hold the referendum while young people who study abroad are back on the Island for their summer breaks. Many in the business community want the vote held as soon as possible to end uncertainty.

Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan refused to comment yesterday on the timing of the election.

Mr. Pearman said it was "up to individuals'' whether to respond to the PLP's call yesterday for supporters to boycott the referendum.

"I'm of the view that most people do want to participate in the exercise of democracy,'' he said.

Royal assent for the Independence Referendum Act is expected within days.

Under the terms of the law, the referendum must be held before the end of the year, 30 to 60 days after it is gazetted by the Premier.