Environment Minister Pamela Gordon yesterday claimed green guerrillas were setting themselves above the law.

The attack on environmental watchdogs Greenpeace came after the group vowed to continue a campaign to stop Government dumping tons of deadly asbestos dust at sea.

The Greenpeace warning came even after Bermuda appeared to win approval for the plan from the 75-nation membership at a special meeting of the London Convention.

Members agreed to include a clause on the problems involved in disposing of bulky waste from small island states like Bermuda in the draft protocol for 1996.

Ms Gordon said: "It looks very much like they have no objection -- that is why they put in that caveat about small island states.

"Even the chairman commented this could be used as the solution for the Bermudian problem.'' She added: "If Greenpeace is going to go against the London Convention, then Greenpeace believes they are above the law. We have a choice of bowing to Greenpeace or doing what we are supposed to do -- responsibly govern this Country.

"My concern as a Minister of this Country is to be first and foremost concerned about the welfare of the people of this Country.'' Ms Gordon added that only two of the signatories at the special conference of the London Convention objected to special consideration for small islands.

And she pointed out that landfill disposal in the US, UK or Canada would mean a massive financial burden on Bermuda's tiny workforce -- and a long-term liability for any future health problems suffered near dump sites abroad.

Ms Gordon said: "It would cost $5 million to get it wherever it was going.

Then we are looking at an insurance policy. It's cost prohibitive.'' But she insisted that no final decision had been taken on what to do with the tons of asbestos waste on the Island.

Ms Gordon said: "There was a deferral until it had been further looked at.

Once we get the protocol signed off we will go back to the table and look at what our options are then.

"I can't preempt the Premier. Earlier in the summer he made a very clear decision on a deferral until further information came forward -- what the ultimate cost will be to the Bermudian public.

"But dumping at sea is not a decision which has been taken. We will do whatever the people of Bermuda want us to do.'' The 1996 protocol of the London Convention is likely to be available for signing in April next year.

The UK, which represented its dependent territory of Bermuda, is set to be one of the first signatories to the protocol.

Greenpeace has not discussed details of likely action against polluters.