Police Commissioner Colin Coxall, according to senior Government figures.

Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness and Deputy Governor Peter Willis told The Royal Gazette last night they had no knowledge of reports that the Coxall affair was to be probed by Robin Cook.

It was reported on Friday that Lionel Grundy, Her Majesty's Inspector of Dependent Territories Police, was ready to suggest the top-level Foreign Office inquiry into Mr. Coxall's departure.

But Mr. Edness said: "I haven't read the story, I know nothing about the claims and I don't wish to comment on them.

"I'm told it is very speculative and the Governor has said there is to be no investigation.'' Mr. Coxall left Bermuda under a cloud of controversy last October, having slashed the Island's crime figures but linked a Government Minister with drug dealers during Operation Cleansweep.

Environment Minister Irving Pearman was not accused of any wrongdoing and said two of his cheques were found on suspects because they had carried out jobs at his house.

In early August, Mr. Edness said Mr. Coxall could be asked to stay on after his official contract expired in March.

He said: "Everybody recognises Mr. Coxall has done a very good job and whether or not he will be asked to stay is still an option we have.'' But two weeks later, Mr. Edness is understood to have told the Premier that Mr. Coxall had to go or he would resign from the Cabinet.

He later said Mr. Coxall had failed to produce a proper succession plan for senior Bermudian officers.

And the Commissioner handed in his notice despite a report by Mr. Grundy heaping praise on his work in Bermuda and warning against promoting a Bermudian to the top job.

A statement from Government House claimed Mr. Coxall resigned because of an "erosion of confidence'' in his abilities.

Mr. Coxall and his wife wrote to The Royal Gazette claiming they were "deeply hurt by the suggestion that my resignation followed a long-term erosion of confidence''.

But Mr. Willis, who made the statement, said he used the words "longer term'' -- to suggest Mr. Coxall's resignation was not linked to the Pearman affair.

He said last night: "I made the point that Mr. Coxall was a good Policeman and had done a good job in setting out the strategy.

"Nobody is now saying any different.'' And he said the former Commissioner's resignation was no longer on the agenda and was not about to be investigated by the Foreign Office.

Mr. Willis added: "Why would Mr. Grundy write a report now when he was on the Island when it happened?'' The Deputy Governor has also criticised reports that the next Commissioner will be chosen by a special committee in the UK.

He said the next Police chief would be picked by Governor Thorold Masefield and the Public Service Commission.

But it is understood the selection panel will seek the advice of Mr. Grundy, who has a major role as a Police advisor.