old US bases on the Island.

And the move raised fresh hope that the US will accept responsibility for a huge clean-up of waste left behind after more than 40 years in Bermuda.

Last night Finance Minister Grant Gibbons, who has responsibility for the Base lands, said: "They're here essentially to review and revisit the US closure of the Base properties here and to report back to Congress on any remaining environmental effects from the presence of the US Armed Forces in Bermuda.'' Five technical officers from the US Chief of Naval Operations Office and the US Navy will spend about three days on the Island.

They will visit the sites -- including the huge former US Naval Air Station in St. David's -- and meet Government and Bermuda Land Development Company technical officers.

The arrival of the five environmental experts is a clear sign that the US is prepared to at least think again over its refusal to pay for a clean-up programme.

Dr. Gibbons said: "It's at the direct request of Congress and direct response to visits to the US by the Premier and work with Congress and the Senate in America.'' He added: "They are all technical people and are looking to help with the preparation of a report on any remaining problems.

"It's a combination of reviewing the results of a number of studies by the Land Development Office and the Environment Ministry and work which was done by the US Navy earlier.'' The US position on bases in foreign countries is that they will only pay for clean-ups when there is "an imminent threat to health and safety'' -- which officials have insisted is not the case in Bermuda.

The clean-up has been a thorn in the side of US/Bermuda relations since the US Navy quit the Island in 1995.

Tons of asbestos from US Navy buildings has been collected and awaits disposal. The Bermuda Government wants the US to take the potentially deadly dust off its hands.

And oil pollution has been found at the old Air Station and in caves below the former US Naval Annex in Southampton -- now known as Morgan's Point and earmarked for a major tourist development.

ENVIRONMENT ENV