Government has come under renewed pressure to reveal its position on the White Paper on overseas territories.

Yesterday, National Liberal Party leader Charles Jeffers condemned Premier Jennifer Smith for being too quiet on the subject for too long.

And he also urged Government to hold public meetings to get feedback from the people on the issue of full British citizenship.

"The big concern is that Government has been very quiet on the whole matter -- this from a Government that wants to be transparent,'' Mr. Jeffers said.

"We feel that this is such an important matter that there should be some public discussion on it.

"As well as formulating its own view, the Government should be taking suggestions from the public. What I find strange is that it appears that their position is taking a little long to come out. I realise the Government is getting ready to put forward its position, but this is a matter of urgency.

"The UBP has said that they are going to take a road show over to Britain to look at the question of the problems Bermuda is having with the White Paper. I have absolutely no objections to the UBP going to the UK but I really do feel that the Government should be taking the lead on this.

"We have a lot of things to consider and we need to move quickly.

"It seems that, being the new Government, they have been caught up in a number of issues which have overtaken them. However, as Government, I believe they have to set some priorities.

"I believe the Government will eventually shape their opinion and form which way they would like to go, but they must give the public a chance through forums to air their views.

"There is no doubt that this is the most contentious issue that they will be facing in their first year, but you cannot avoid issues in the name of remaining popular. I think, in the final analysis, if they don't deal with it they will become more unpopular.

"When the White Paper first came out the Premier said she didn't see anything too wrong with it. Since then we have heard virtually nothing.

"Our view is simple -- that we must prepare ourselves for Independence. If we are unprepared this means we could be left scrambling or being pushed into Independence because Britain will have to show its loyalty either to its citizens or the European Community or its overseas territories.'' Mr. Jeffers made his remarks following a clash between Government and Opposition MPs in the House of Assembly on Friday.

Opposition leader Pamela Gordon questioned why a Parliamentary debate on the matter was being held back.

Government MPs replied that a debate would take place when Government was ready.

Premier Jennifer Smith is currently attending a conference in Switzerland and could not be contacted to discuss the matter.