Reports of a turf war between two top UK Government Ministers over full British passports for Britain's remaining colonies were yesterday denied.

And official spokesmen for Foreign Secretary Robin Cook and Home Secretary Jack Straw dismissed newspaper claims of a row between the two Labour Ministers as "speculation.'' The two Ministries launched a damage control exercise after reports in two English Sunday newspapers claimed Mr. Straw -- the UK Minister responsible for passports and immigration -- feared being railroaded by Mr. Cook over the granting of full UK citizenship to 160,000 people in the remaining outposts of Empire.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office said: "It's not an accurate portrayal of the situation -- it's a completely inaccurate portrayal.'' He added that the Foreign Office was working with other Ministries, including the Home Office, in a major review of Britain's relationships with its Dependent Territories.

But last night a UK Parliament insider said: "There has almost traditionally been a difference of opinion between the Foreign Office and the Home Office.'' But he added a groundswell of opinion in the House pointed to "considerable sympathy'' for full citizenship for the people of the Dependent Territories.

The insider added that it was hard to predict who would be the winner in a gloves-off fight between Mr. Cook and Mr. Straw.

But he said: "That is something which would be decided by the entire Cabinet -- and I hope that Robin Cook's view, which is reported to be that he wants the right of abode for all, would prevail within the Cabinet.'' The Foreign Office spokesman admitted: "One of the issues is citizenship and quite clearly that is the responsibility of the Home Office.

"We've been working very closely with them -- very amicably -- on that and there is no question of a split between Robin Cook and Jack Straw.'' Reports in the London-based Independent on Sunday and the Sunday Times said that Mr. Cook wanted to axe the second-class British Dependent Territories Citizens' passport and give full rights to the dozen or so colonies.

But the Sunday Times said the Home Office was "alarmed'' by the plans and asked Mr. Cook to delay any major announcement, while Mr. Cook was "furious'' that his proposals could be held up.

And the Independent on Sunday said Mr. Straw feared that any extension of Dependent Territories' passport rights could lead to claims for the same rights by around 1 million Hong Kong residents, who were handed over to Chinese rule last summer. Mr. Cook will make the keynote speech to a meeting of the Dependent Territories Association in London next week, which will be attended by Premier Pamela Gordon and Labour and Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness.

Progressive Labour Party leader Jennifer Smith will also lead a delegation.

The Foreign Office spokesman said, however: "Mr. Cook's intention remains -- to include the main conclusions he has drawn from his review.'' He added: "The options are still being considered. He hasn't yet made up his mind.'' Mr. Cook unveiled plans for the review late last year after a row over the UK's handling of the plight of volcano-stricken Montserrat.

The Foreign Office spokesman said: "We knew that this was an ambitious timetable when it was set, but that isn't going to deter us from getting on with it.'' And a spokesman for the Home Office insisted the Foreign Office was taking the lead in the review.

He said: "The two departments are working together very amicably, contrary to speculation. We cannot speculate on the contents of a paper which has not been published.

Editorial: Page 4 Report of split between UK Ministers denied "Nothing has been ruled in or out as far as we are concerned. Anything which has been in the papers is pure speculation.'' The Independent on Sunday and the Sunday Times, however, are regarded as heavyweight and authoritative newspapers, particularly on the political scene.

The news of the claimed row came as fresh trouble hit Britain's delicate relations with its colonies.

The Foreign Office is urging the Caribbean Dependent Territories to axe laws banning gay sex, saying current laws in the Caymans and the British Virgin Islands are violations of international civil rights accords signed by Britain.

The Cayman Island two weeks ago caused fury among civil rights groups when it banned a gay cruise charter from docking in the capital of George Town.

And British Virgin Islands Chief Minister Ralph O'Neal on Friday -- at the end of a mini-summit in Bermuda -- predicted stormy waters if Britain tried to force the repeal of anti-gay laws in his country.

He said: "None of us is prepared to pass that legislation. Both the Government and Opposition are united against it.'' Mr. O'Neal admitted: "The UK has the power to impose legislation -- but they don't want to do it. They want us to do it'' Bermuda lifted the blanket ban on gay sex after the late John Stubbs piloted a private members' bill through the House of Assembly -- although the move met strong opposition both in the House and outside.

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