Shadow Education Minister Ms Jennifer Smith has called for teachers to be allowed to retire at 55.

Ms Smith told the House of Assembly on Friday that the retirement age of teachers should be the same as that of Policemen and firemen.

"They should be allowed to take early retirement.'' Ms Smith, speaking during the motion to adjourn debate, said she was making the call because some teachers were suffering from "burn-out''.

She pointed out Addiction Services recognised instances of "burn-out'' in people working in specific areas. Among those in danger were nurses dealing with AIDS patients, said Ms Smith, Deputy Opposition Leader and MP for St.

George's North.

Also in the House on Friday, Works Minister the Hon. Leonard Gibbons announced moves were under way to rid the old Pembroke dump of rats.

Mr. Gibbons said a rodent programme had been put in place at the former dump which was to be transformed into a park. He also pledged every effort would be made to clear up litter at Bernard Park.

His remarks followed complaints by Opposition Progressive Labour Party MPs Mr.

Nelson Bascome and Mr. Ottiwell Simmons .

Last week, Shadow Health Minister Mr. Bascome raised the problem of rodents at the old dump.

And on Friday, Mr. Simmons, MP for Pembroke East, said Government had taken no action, despite promises. "Nothing has been done,'' he told MPs, prompting a denial from Mr. Gibbons.

Mr. Simmons also complained about the state of Bernard Park, saying it needed sprucing up. Some flowers were required there, he added.

Meanwhile, Government backbencher Mrs. Grace Bell , MP for St. George's South, called for a clampdown on the hiring of illegal foreign workers. She said there should be more inspectors to ensure the problem was dealt with.