Perinchief controversy.

And it has been handed a document lending strength to the Progressive Labour Party's position.

Shadow Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Alex Scott made the claim last night after meeting his Government counterpart Mr. Quinton Edness.

Also present at the talks -- which appear to have taken some heat out of the row -- was Shadow Finance Minister Eugene Cox.

Mr. Scott remained tight-lipped over details of the meeting, which lasted from 4.30 p.m. to 6.15 p.m., and refused to shed light on the document.

But he described the talks as "worthwhile''.

"We had a very full and frank discussion, Mr. Cox and I set out the PLP's position and reasons for our position.

"I never thought the meeting was going to break down, it was conducted in the best possible manner and decorum was key all round.

"I think the whole purpose was to get Mr. Edness to rethink his position, and we feel we made the best possible representation of our case.'' He added: "One of things we felt might be helpful was that the actual details of the discussion would remain for the moment off the record.'' The dispute has erupted over a planned reduction in senior management of Bermuda Police.

Assistant Commissioner Mr. Wayne Perinchief, 54, and Supt. George Rose were recently told their jobs had been made redundant.

This sparked PLP claims Mr. Perinchief, who is black, was a victim of racism.

Redundancy deals are now being worked out and it is believed Mr. Perinchief has been offered a package worth about $220,000.

The proposed shake-up is spelled out in the Police's Service Strategy.

In the Strategy, it was also made clear Police posts would be axed and replaced by civilians with the officers redeployed to fight crime.

The Royal Gazette understands Police Commissioner Mr. Colin Coxall will meet with rank-and-file officers tomorrow to discuss civilianisation and outline the restructuring plans.

Recently, the PLP took its concerns about Police morale and "the security of Bermuda'' to Governor Lord Waddington.

But the Governor said he supported the Coxall plan, which had been approved by Bermuda's democratically-elected Government. Last night, Mr. Scott said the controversy would be discussed tomorrow in Parliament when MPs debate a motion on the Strategy.

During that debate -- likely to kick off in the late afternoon -- people will be able to see in full relief Government and Opposition positions, he said.

Mr. Scott said information tabled at yesterday's meeting with Edness may be discussed.

Mr. Edness last night could not be reached for comment.