new oversized Government vehicle which exceeds the average car size.

Alex Scott and Erwin Adderley were commenting on the purchase of a new Puegeot 406 for Mr. Scott.

Mr. Scott last night defended the purchase of the $43,000 French model -- likely to be followed by others.

And he insisted amendments to the law had made the larger cars legal for use by Ministers or the Premier.

Mr. Adderley, however, said: "It is absolutely horrendous if a Government department is bringing in new cars for their use that don't comply with normal size requirements -- particularly when everyone else is required to comply.

"It smacks of one set of rules for the general public and `we can do whatever we want'. It's arrogance.'' The car is too long under the usual regulations because of the size of the bumpers and Mr. Scott admitted it may be wider than models available to the general public.

Mr. Adderley added that he had asked Mr. Scott in the House of Assembly last December if any cars were being brought in which were over the regular size requirements.

He said: "I directed it at the Minister of Works and Engineering. His response was `Not to his knowledge'.

"If my information is correct, the car would have to be brought in before December 17. He can't say he didn't know.'' But Mr. Scott said: "Putting politicking aside, it's wrong about it not meeting the requirements because if it's a car to be used by Premiers or Ministers, it can be bigger.

"And the reason it's this size is that it can be resold off the Island and diminish the cost to the taxpayer.'' Mr. Scott explained that around $22,000 of the cost of the car was tax -- which would be allocated to Customs in a paper transaction between departments.

And he said: "The average citizen couldn't buy a car out of the showroom for what this is costing Government. It may well be an oversized car, but it will be a less expensive car.'' Mr. Scott added: "When Mr. Adderley asked his questions on December 17, the car hadn't been bought, hadn't been ordered, as far as I know. It certainly wasn't here.'' And he said a deal struck with suppliers Continental Motors had meant a free facelift for the ageing BMW 7 series GP1 Premier's car, including fixing the air-conditioning, brakes and renewing the upholstery.

Mr. Scott said: "That brought it into usable condition, which is another saving for the public purse prior to buying a replacement.'' And he added that the 406's larger size would make them easier to sell overseas when they reach the end of their usefulness in five to ten years, recouping more of the original cost.