contract runs out next March.

For asking him to stay on in the interests of the force is still an option for Government, Labour and Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness said last night -- although he stressed no decision had been made.

Mr. Coxall last night declined to comment on what he would do if offered an extension to his three-year contract, which runs out next March.

He said that his plans were "the same as the day I arrived in Bermuda'' -- to return to England at the end of his contract and resume his life there.

But Mr. Edness -- who spoke to Mr. Coxall yesterday -- explained: "I think what Mr. Coxall said, if he was asked a question about his future, is that he has a three year contract and that, as far as he was concerned, that's it because nothing else has been decided.

"No decisions have been made, but an extension is an option available to us.

This whole area is one I have to look at with His Excellency the Governor and the Premier.

"Nothing has been put in place and no decision has been made, but we have to be concerned about the future of the service when Mr. Coxall leaves or should he leave.

"Everybody recognises Mr. Coxall has done a very good job and whether or not he will be asked to stay is still an option we have.''