Opposition leader Mr. Frederick Wade yesterday urged Government to delay next month's debate on Independence legislation until after Easter.

He said a top United Kingdom Government delegation would be in Bermuda over Easter and could clarify Britain's position on Independence.

The delegation would include the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Mr. Tony Baldry.

Said Mr. Wade: "I intend to urge the Premier to delay the debate until after Easter. We ought to have the benefit of Mr. Baldry's visit.'' Last night, however, Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan said he saw no reason for a delay.

Mr. Wade spoke out as he reported on a recent Progressive Labour Party meeting with British politicians, including Mr. Baldry. Former deputy Governor Mr.

John Kelly was also present.

He claimed Mr. Baldry had stated: Bermuda citizens would not receive any "Isle of Man-style agreement'' entitling them to get the right of abode in the UK after 1997, once Hong Kong returns to China. Nobody on the Island had the authority to indicate otherwise; For Bermuda to get Independence, a "reasonable majority'' of its citizens would have to show support for cutting ties.

Then an Independence bill would need to be passed in the House of Commons; and: For the bill to pass there could be no controversy and both parties would have to agree on the form and style of any Independence constitution.

There would need to be an election under the new constitution before it came into effect.

Yesterday The Royal Gazette could not reach Mr. Baldry to comment on what was said during his meeting with Mr. Wade.

Deputy Governor Mr. Peter Willis said Mr. Wade would be receiving a letter from Mr. Baldry.

He also restated his Government's position on Bermudians getting the right of abode and work in Britain post-1997 as outlined in the Green Paper on Independence.

In the Paper, Mr. Baldry is quoted as stating: "We have not discussed any change in our relationship with the dependent territories post-1997.

"This raises complex issues. However there may be opportunity for reassessment of UK/DT (Dependent Territories) policy at that time.'' Mr. Willis said Mr. Baldry's letter to Mr. Wade would make it clear Independence was a matter for the Bermuda people to decide.

It would also state it was not practical to look at any other Constitutional models for Bermuda as a dependent territory.

"The position of the UK Government is unchanged from 1977. The Constitution already provides a large measure of self-government.'' Last night the Premier said the UK Government had never confirmed Bermudians could get the right of abode in Britain after the 1997.

"They have said simply what is in the Green Paper.'' Sir John saw no need to delay debate on the Independence Referendum Act 1995, which is scheduled for debate on March 10 or 17.

He accused Mr. Wade of engaging in further delaying tactics.

Sir John said he failed to see why any information provided by Mr. Baldry during his Easter visit should hold up the passage of the referendum bill.