the National Liberal Party, saying they were "factually incorrect, misleading and mischievous''.

Mr. John Harvey was referring to statements made by NLP leader Mr. Gilbert Darrell who said mandatory tipping should be abolished in Bermuda's hotels.

Such a measure would end costly dispute hearings between the union and hoteliers, Mr. Darrell said. It would also stop unethical "bill padding and price gouging''.

Mr. Harvey responded: "I invite all politicians and political parties to obtain a copy of the Arnold Zack Board's ruling on the issues of the gratuities and the signing of the collective agreement in order for them to become knowledgeable about this subject before making public statements.'' Mr. Harvey said no politician had ever attended any of the hearings.

"Therefore, they should not be persuaded or influenced by people who have a bias or ulterior motive to mislead, in particular the hotel employees and the public in general.'' Mr. Darrell had said: "The Bermuda Industrial Union/Hotel Employers of Bermuda agreement clearly states that gratuities are not part of the employee's basic wage.

"So when one considers the complications to administer this operation, and the cost to the taxpayer of these continuous hearings that go nowhere, this must be the time to return to gratuity by merit on a voluntary tipping basis.

"This will put the matter of tipping squarely between a diligent hotel worker and an appreciative hotel guest.'' Under the current system, the guest was led to believe the mandatory tip went to the workers, when in fact part of it went to the hotel, he said.