the problem is looked at, Government backbencher Mr. Maxwell Burgess said yesterday.

Mr. Burgess, who called for the Royal Commission in the House of Assembly on Friday, made his comment after meeting with Premier David Saul.

Dr. Saul said he did not think a Royal Commission was needed, but he agreed the plight of black males had to be explored further.

"He and I agree on one thing,'' Mr. Burgess said. "Something has to be done, and something has to be done soon.'' It may be decided that a Royal Commission is not the way to go, he said. "In the absence of a Royal Commission, the Government can commit itself and its resources to having a look at the problem and coming up with a...comprehensive package of solutions,'' he said.

Dr. Saul "has committed himself to ensuring we come up with a current plan to assure young black males are brought back into the mainstream.'' A task force or committee might be used, and Mr. Burgess said he might be willing to head up the study.

"I'm back in the private sector and I have limited time to put to additional political responsibility,'' he said. "But I would not turn my back on fellow black males if that challenge ended up before me.'' Government would have to show a commitment to provide the necessary resources.