him to set up a Commission of Inquiry into Independence.

That is the view of Opposition Leader Mr. Frederick Wade who said the call would be like "asking the slave master to investigate slavery''.

Mr. Wade was demanding that the Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan put a motion to the House of Assembly to discuss the Commission.

But Sir John refused, saying such a body appointed by Lord Waddington would be the correct way to start the education of Bermudians about the pros and cons of Independence.

Sir John, who outlined plans for the Commission of Inquiry and a Referendum on Independence yesterday monring, said the commission would have six months to report on the pros and cons of remaining a dependent territory or becoming an Independent member of the Commonwealth.

A referendum would be held within 120 days of the Commission's report being sent to the Governor.

The make-up of the seven-member commission, to be appointed under the Commission of Inquiry Act 1935, has not been announced. Lord Waddington is to name two members after consulting with both the Premier and Mr. Wade, three after consulting the Premier alone and two after consulting Mr. Wade alone.

But Mr. Wade said the House should be allowed to debate the setting up of the Commission.

He said: "The Governor should not be the authority which is going to investigate Independence. It is like asking the slave master to investigate slavery.

"He is representative of the British Government, from which we are trying to get Independence. It puts the Governor in an embarrassing position, if he is asked if his Government should leave Bermuda. It is ludicrous.'' The Opposition also mentioned heavy penalties for people failing to respond to calls for evidence from the Commission. He called these "Gestapo tactics.'' The Premier hit back. He said: "It is up to the Government to set up a Commission of Inquiry where there is a matter of public interest.'' He said it would help them look at the pros and cons of the independence debate. He said the Governor was the arbitrator between the two parties.

Sir John added it was part of a year-long process that would educate Bermudians before they voted in the referendum.

The referendum would ask all those eligible to vote in a Bermuda election: "Are you in favour of Independence for Bermuda?'' After the referendum, "The Government will abide by the wishes of a simple majority,'' Sir John said.

Under its terms of reference, the Commission is also to study what Constitutional changes might be appropriate if Bermuda was to remain a dependent territory.