new $21,500 car.

Mr. Edwards took the delivery of the Lancer car last week and immediately turned it over to Assistant Commissioner, Mr. Alex Forbes for the opening of Parliament on Friday.

The car cost less than its standard production price and was bought using approved budget funds. It replaces the Police Commissioner's former vehicle which was eight-years-old.

Police Community Relations Officer, Sgt. John Dale denied rumours that the new car is bullet-proof.

Sgt. Dale said it was not strange for top officers to receive new vehicles even during periods when the budget is tight.

He said: "It can be counter-productive to delay replacing vehicles. Delays can cause periods of unserviceability and increased maintenance costs.'' Mr. Edwards said: "Certain senior officers got a car this year. Those on 24-hour response. They do have cars allotted to them, but not every superintendent gets one. They are replacements.

"I can't say when they were all replaced, but we do get a budget for the purchase of cars and when a car gets aged it certainly must be replaced.

"We need equipment to respond to Bermuda's needs. There have been budget cuts and I think it's safe to say there will be more.'' TRAVELLING IN STYLE -- Police Commissioner Lennett (Lennie) Edwards' new $21,500 Lancer car, bought to replace his previous eight-year-old model, arrives at the Cabinet Building on Friday for the reading of the Throne Speech.