races equally? The questions are being asked in an Island-wide race relations poll -- organised for the United Bermuda Party.

Opinions on the Progressive Labour Party's racial appeal are also being sought.

UBP pollsters Penn & Schoen have been quizzing hundreds of people over the last few weeks.

One aim is to find out how people think race relations can be boosted.

And another is to pinpoint places where people believe there is a race problem.

Those telephoned are asked to give their name and "income group''.

But one person told The Royal Gazette pollsters did not ask him whether he was black or white.

The results will be of more than just passing interest to Human Affairs Minister the Hon. Jerome Dill, who has the job of healing racial tensions.

"I will be very interested in seeing them,'' he said.

The telephone poll, expected to end shortly, includes a wide range of questions.

People are asked to give a 1-10 rating on the effectiveness of various ideas on improving race relations.

These include better guidance counselling at school, promoting Independence, youth centres, and more job training or retraining.

Both political parties are also put under the spotlight.

"Does the UBP have in place structures that encourage institutional racism? Does the PLP?'' The same is asked of banks, hotels, international companies, Bermudian businesses, and public and private schools.

Other questions include: "Do you feel your sex hampers you from achieving career goals?'', "Do whites or blacks have the capacity to earn more in Bermuda?'', and "Is the public school curriculum racially biased?'' Mr. Dill stressed Government was not behind the survey.

But it did coincide with similar Government moves to "get a better understanding on Bermudians' views on race''.

"It is a scientific poll, and people are selected at random,'' Mr. Dill added.

"It will help the party move forward. The party recognises race relations as a major issue.''