of prosecuting in Magistrates' Court.

Government is expected to make an announcement within a month, The Royal Gazette learned yesterday.

It follows ongoing discussions with Attorney General Mr. Walter Maddocks' chambers and Police.

The move would follow a key recommendation in Government consultant Dr. David Archibald's national drug strategy proposal.

Delegated Affairs Minister the Hon. Sir John Sharpe yesterday confirmed top-level talks had been taking place. And he said Government favoured the idea in principle.

A feasibility study was being carried out, and a decision based on it should come within a month.

"The pros and cons need to be weighed up. We need to see what costs are involved, for example,'' said Sir John.

"At this stage we are inclined to look favourably at the matter in principle.

It is something which has been raised in the past.'' He said Crown Prosecution Service representatives from the United Kingdom had been to Bermuda to review a possible transition.

Sir John said a Cabinet committee would make a decision once all the information was known.

There were several benefits to handing responsibility to the Attorney General's chambers, he added.

It could be viewed as a fairer system if Police were no longer involved in investigating crime and prosecuting. The Attorney General's chambers could also be more inclined to use discretion over whether to prosecute.

"It may be just a perception, but it is an important consideration,'' said Sir John.

This could cut the number of young people being criminalised by the system, he added.

Sir John said he believed the Attorney General's chambers were in favour of prosecuting.

Young Bermudian lawyers could gain experience and may also be encouraged to remain in Government rather than go into private practice.

In his report Dr. Archibald urged Government to investigate ways of cutting court appearances.

He called on the Police to identify areas where discretion could be shown to reduce the number while maintaining public safety, and the "accompanying social stigmatisation that denies convicted criminals equal access to opportunities.''