Shadow Home Affairs Minister Michael Dunkley blasted his counterpart Paula Cox for ducking the issue of when soon-to-retire prisons boss Edward Dyer would be replaced.

Last week it was announced Mr. Dyer would officially step down as Prisons Commissioner on April 30.

But Mr. Dunkley said with accrued leave Mr. Dyer may leave much sooner.

A faxed statement from Ms Cox said: "The resignation of Commissioner Dyer comes at a time when fundamental change in the prison service is needed and imminent.'' But it hinted that no decision will be taken until the board of inquiry into the prison service finishes at the end of February.

The statement said: "The Ministry intends to proceed with implementing recommendations which have been made with regard to prison reform.

"In addition to prison reforms efforts, the identification and fast- tracking of talent within the prison service will be pursued with additional vigour.

"This will ensure that a progressive succession plan is put in place and will be in tune with the process that has proved successful for the Police Service.

"Ultimately the fundamental policy of Bermudianisation will be followed but in a manner that will ensure proper and professional reform and will position the Prison service in such a way as to present the best chance for long-term success.'' Last week Mr. Dyer pointed out that the post would have to be advertised and that he did not know who is successor was likely to be.

Mr. Dunkley said the Minister's statement was too little too late.

He said: "All this is a vague attempt to ease the situation but is clearly not going to do any good.

"One would have thought these things would have been said as soon as he announced his retirement.

"The statement talks about making an announcement at the appropriate time -- I am sure most people would say the appropriate time is now.

"He didn't just wake up and decide it was a good week to retire. Any forward thinking government would have a plan for that.

"And it was the responsibility for the Commissioner to think about it himself.'' Ms Cox said the Ministry intended to implement recommendations on prison reform.

Mr. Dunkley said: "What recommendations? What reports?'' He said there had been numerous reports on the prison service over recent years which had been kept under wraps or shelved.

Ms Cox had also mentioned following up on the Gibbard report but Mr. Dunkley said this had not been made public and that prison officers would be scratching their heads over what was about to happen.

Last night Ms Cox refused to comment further on her original statement.

Michael Dunkley