The Premier's jetsetting right-hand man has run up more than $10,000 in travel expenses since January 1.

Lt. Col. David Burch, given the title of Premier's Chief of Staff after the Progressive Labour Party's General Election victory, has run up the bill in trips to the US and Europe.

Former Finance Minister Grant Gibbons demanded to know how Mr. Burch's expenses were being paid yesterday.

Finance Minister Eugene Cox responded that taxpayers could be asked to foot the bill under a special law set up by Sir John Swan's Government in 1983.

Mr. Cox answered three Parliamentary questions from Dr. Gibbons in the House of Assembly yesterday.

He said the Premier or Leader of the Opposition could staff their own offices as they saw fit.

And he said Bermudians were getting "value for money'' from Mr. Burch, claiming the former Regiment Commander made sure the Premier did "a double day's work''.

But he revealed the combined travel expenses for Jennifer Smith and Mr. Burch -- who accompanies her on all official trips -- had already climbed to $21,303 in 1999.

That money paid for official Government trips to New York, Switzerland, Paris, Boston, Washington DC, Dallas and Jacksonville, North Carolina -- as well as two trips to London.

But Dr. Gibbons said the PLP made "accountability and transparency'' their election platform.

He added: "The answers to the questions were anything but transparent and, in terms of accountability, I was very surprised there have been no expenses budgeted for an additional body in the form of Chief of Staff.

"Plus, he has to incur separate expenses to the Premier. He has his own airline ticket and his own hotel room.

"I'm a little curious if that $21,000 isn't just for David Burch.'' The new Finance Minister did reveal he was with the Premier and Mr. Burch in a stretch limo during a trip back to their hotel in Dallas.

And he said he was glad Mr. Burch was there, doubling up as the Premier's bodyguard while locals gathered to see if a showbiz star was in the limousine.

"The Premier stopped on the way to get an item,'' he said.

More House coverage, Page 4 Opposition questions Colonel's cost "We were in one of those stretch limousines and I was there while the Chief of Staff escorted her into the store and back.

"While we were there, all these people rushed across the road and came around and stood by the car.

"I was glad that the Premier didn't come out at that moment because the driver -- when he asked the people what they wanted -- was told they were looking for the celebrity who was in the car.'' Mr. Cox said the Personal Staffs Act of 1983 entitled any Chief of Staff to be "remunerated''.

It is understood Mr. Burch draws a salary of just over $50,000.

But the Finance Minister dodged one question by Dr. Gibbons, who asked: "Does a Government vehicle come with the position of Chief of Staff?'' Mr. Cox had to speak above Opposition MPs who were shouting: "What about the car?'' And he simply said: "The Premier and the Opposition Leader are entitled to appoint staff.'' Mr. Cox did outline the terms of Mr. Burch's role as Chief of Staff.

The Deputy Premier said: "The postholder must have earned the trust of the Premier; have excellent organisational skills; have extensive experience in managing people, projects and events; have top security clearance; have a total knowledge of the Progressive Labour Party, including the various executive members, branch officials and other officers; have the ability to interact with diverse organisations and persons and have excellent time-management skills.

"In addition to these requirements, the postholder must be available to accompany the Premier whenever available -- in short, the postholder works the same hours as the Premier and usually more.'' Mr. Cox reminded the House that Mr. Burch was appointed to the Senate after the election.

And he said: "The Chief of Staff that we have makes the Premier do a double day's work in any one day.

"She's most worthy of him and I'm convinced that this Country is getting value for money.''