A shake-up of Ministerial responsibilities could be on the cards, The Royal Gazette can reveal.

For Premier Pamela Gordon is considering shuffling the deck of Ministerial departments in a bid to rationalise the Cabinet.

Ms Gordon yesterday confirmed that she was taking a look at the responsibilities of her Ministers.

She declined to comment on how she might change responsibilities of the Cabinet.

But it is understood she may be considering the Parks Department out of Works and Engineering and back to the Ministry of Environment.

Parks were transferred to the Ministry of Works and Engineering in August 1995 after then-Premier David Saul announced his first Cabinet. But Ms Gordon -- in her maiden speech as Minister of the Environment in November that year -- pledged to push for parks to be returned to her Ministry.

Other multi-purpose Ministries which may be due for review could be Wayne Furbert's Transport and Aviation Services and David Dodwell's Tourism and Marine Services.

It is understood that some in Government believe the creation of an integrated transport network -- regarded as a vital boost for the ailing tourism trade -- would be best served by combining water and land transport under the one Ministerial flag.

But Ms Gordon is believed to be keen to keep the costs of any transfers of responsibilities to a minimum.

Shake up of Ministries would be gradual and phased in over a period of time because of the likely expense of a rationalisation process.

Meanwhile, the by-election caused by the resignation of ex-Youth and Sport Minister David Dyer, who formally resigned his Pembroke West seat on Tuesday is set to be held on November 6.

And the contest to find a running mate for Health and Social Services Minister Clarence Terceira is shaping up to be a one-horse race for former Government planning director Erwin Adderley.

It is understood at least three people who expressed an interest or were asked to consider standing have turned the chance down -- including Butterfield and Vallis chief Jim Butterfield, treasurer of the Pembroke West constituency party.

According to a notice in Wednesday's edition of The Royal Gazette , approved UBP candidates have only five days left before next Wednesday's cut-off dates for applications.

If any other candidates come forward, a primary is scheduled for October 22, with the winner a certainty to triumph in the UBP stronghold.

Branch chairman Joyce Hall said: "I don't know why there is a lack of people coming forward.

"But the voters are not interested in giving someone a safe seat just because they want to get into Parliament.

"We are looking for someone who can do something for the constituency in particular and Bermuda in general.'' POLITICS PTL