Clifton, the swanky Devonshire property renovated at the cost of $1.5 million for the use of Premiers, has remained empty for more than a year, Government indicated yesterday.

The news comes after Government announced cost-cutting measures including saving $42,000 on newspaper subscriptions as it axed its order of The Royal Gazette and Mid-0cean News.

Clifton, on Middle Road, was upgraded under former Premier Alex Scott for his use and for that of successors.

Mr. Scott left Clifton last February and Government put the home on the market for rent in July after Premier Ewart Brown decided to remain living in his private home in Smith's, after he took office in October 2006.

Asked if Clifton had been rented out yesterday Cabinet Secretary Marc Telemaque said: "That is not really for me to say but I think the answer is no but it's managed by Works and Engineering."

He advised this paper to contact that ministry but no response was forthcoming last night.

Last year, Civil Service Head Major Kenneth Dill said there had been plenty of interest but no takers since it had been put on the market.

And earlier last year rental figures of $25-$30,000 a month were being bandied about but Mr. Dill later said the asking price would be set around $15-$20,000 per month.

At the minimum it could mean a loss of around $200,000 to the taxpayer after 13 months sitting empty.

Late on Tuesday Government said it would move to electronic media to get its message out after spending $800,000 on subscriptions and advertising in the print media. Government also pledged to cut back on travel and its vehicle fleet.

Yesterday The Royal Gazette asked Culture and Social Rehabilitation Minister Dale Butler on whether he supported the decision to axe his ministry's sponsorship of the Heritage issue of rg magazine, something which he had previously backed by sending certificates of commendation and even fishcakes to reporters who had participated.

He said "no comment," then added: "I have always been supportive of the production of anything to do with heritage but as regards to the Government's position, Robin Holder or the Cabinet Secretary will respond." Mr. Holder works for the Department of Communications and Information.

The move to cut sponsorship of the Heritage issue came two weeks after a contract was signed and despite an $8 million, or 16 percent, increase in the Budget for the Ministry of Culture and Social Rehabilitation.

But Mr. Butler apologised for the abrupt nature of the letter from his Permanent Secretary to end the sponsorship for the issue. It gave no explanation, apology and virtually no warning. The rg magazine Heritage issue, which was already in production when the cancellation letter was faxed, will still be published.

Mr. Butler said: "I am surprised he didn't say he apologised. He should have said that, these civil servants are something else. And he should have thanked you for the outstanding work. I am sorry he didn't say that. He should have known better."

Mr. Butler denied there was animosity on his behalf. "Me? I have excellent relations with the press. The Government made a decision and that is the Government's decision."

The $8 million increase in the Ministry of Culture and Social Rehabilitation's Budget is related to increases in Financial Assistance, the National Drug Control Department and the Mirrors programme, said Mr. Butler.

The February Budget also announced a 300 percent increase in that Ministry's travel budget which now stands at $120,000.