Premier Pamela Gordon has suggested the UK Government consider a Bermudian Governor and total Island control of the Police force, according to British political insiders.

But -- according to UK House of Commons sources -- such a demand could spark a split in the ruling Labour Party as Labour Governments are traditionally anti-colonial and some Ministers might be in favour of granting the request.

It is understood, however, that the Blair administration is still likely to stick to the traditional British position and knock back any suggestion of change in Bermuda's status short of all-out Independence.

Ms Gordon, currently meeting top UK politicians in London, made the surprise requests as a preliminary part of a UK review of relations with its Dependent Territories.

Last night Ms Gordon said of a Bermudian Governor: "It's an idea which was floated to the Governor locally. We have not yet made an actual submission.

"We said it was time a Bermudian was thought acceptable to serve as Governor.

But an official and final submission has not been made yet.'' The idea of taking the Police out of the hands of Government House comes in the wake of a row over English Police Commissioner Colin Coxall -- who reported directly to the Governor -- and his decision to quit his post early, reportedly after a series of clashes with Government.

Ms Gordon said that full Bermudian control of the Police service was also just an idea which had been mooted.

She added: "Part of the responsibility has already been delegated and what we thought about was a full delegation of that responsibility.

"It's not something the Government would be pushing -- but we recognise maybe it's time we were fully responsible as a Country and it's another item which could be put on the table.'' Ms Gordon insisted that control of the Police force was not brought up as a direct result of Mr. Coxall's resignation.

But she said: "We have had a lot of accusations -- all wrongful -- in the last few weeks and we felt this was a topical issue.

"It's not something we are adamant about or something it would be worth arguing over.

"We certainly don't want it to be perceived that politics will be able to interfere with the Commissioner or the security of the Country.

"And just because the issue was floated doesn't necessarily mean it will be taken up.'' Ms Gordon said that what had been sent to Government House was a two-page "broad outline'' of possibilities.

She added: "Everything would have to come to Cabinet and my colleagues before we could even think about going any further.'' And she stressed: "It's one thing to float a balloon -- it's something entirely different when it comes down to negotiating a standpoint.'' Last night Deputy Governor Peter Willis refused to comment on what the Government position might be on the review.

But he added that the usual Government position on Dependent Territories -- Independence if asked for and the status quo if it was not -- was not likely to change.

Former Government Minister Ann Cartwright DeCouto -- an outspoken opponent of Independence in the run-up to the 1995 Referendum which overwhelmingly rejected going it alone -- quit her Cabinet post over the issue.

She said last night: "I understand a document is being prepared or has been prepared and that is a document we should see. It's of the utmost national interest.

"It's not that long since we had a Referendum and the public was invited to make their views known.

"Therefore, any changes to our Constitutional position that the Government is requesting should be known to all of us.

"It should be laid on the floor of the House of Assembly -- that would be the proper place.'' Backbench UBP MP Trevor Moniz, also one of the anti-Independence rebels, said any move towards a Bermudian Governor and control of the Police could be seen as Independence by the back door.

Suggestion for local Governor Mr. Moniz added: "There is a very strong influence on people who do business here that the UK presence and a UK Governor is a stabilising influence.

"On the face of it, the situation we have is something which is the way it is for a very good reason.

"And a change is not something the Party leader or the Government to decide on their own, if this is indeed the case.'' Pamela Gordon GOVERNMENT GVT