grandfather gambling machines, saying "the law is the law''.

In a statement released on Thursday, National Liberal Party chairman Charles Jeffers said his party is in "total disagreement'' with the decision by Cabinet to ban any further importation of the video gambling machines. Last month Premier Jennifer Smith announced the compromise which allows operators to continue to offer the machines.

Lawyer for importers and operators Julian Hall called the move a "compromise'' to avoid paying out compensation.

Mr. Jeffers said: "These machines were allowed in during the previous Government's administration and the PLP should have seized the opportunity to right the wrong.

"The NLP's view is that the law is the law,'' he said. "Since we have a ruling from the Attorney General's Chambers that the machines are illegal,'' he added. "The Government should offer to refund the duty paid by the owners and set a deadline for the machines to be taken out of operation.'' GAMBLING GAM