before planning a North Shore container port.

The warning, from Independent MP Mr. Stuart Hayward, came after it was revealed that Government engineers were considering whether to move the Island's container dock from Hamilton to Tynes Bay.

The dock could be built on land reclaimed by dumping ash blocks from the new incinerator.

Works and Engineering Minister the Hon. Ann Cartwright DeCouto has said the idea would deserve study in due course, depending on investigations into dumping at Tynes Bay and permission from planners.

At present Government only has permission to dump ash in Castle Harbour. A new dock at Tynes Bay would be one option if the site was changed, says the Ministry.

But Mr. Hayward, a leading environmentalist, recalled that in a 1991 Government report on Bermuda's future, a North Shore container port built on reclaimed land was one suggestion.

The report, "Bermuda 2000'', said land reclamation and a new container port "should be widely discussed by the community as soon as possible''.

Mr. Hayward said: "I think that unless some specific procedures are put in place for widespread public discussion, it won't take place.

"Whenever there's a controversial project it seems all the foundation pieces are put into place very quietly with little hints about what might happen.

"Then a pronouncement comes that this is what is going to be done and anyone who doesn't like it is going to have to be in the role of an objector.'' This pattern happened with the incinerator and the fish pot ban, Mr. Hayward said. He said he did not want the public presented with a done deal.