and CEO of Bermuda-registered ADT, was paid more than 2 million (approx. $3 million) in 1992 -- more than most CEOs of the largest companies in Britain, which is ADT's operational base.

According to documents filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Mr. Ashcroft's remuneration comprised 1.44 million ($2.3 million) in salary and 596,000 paid in trust for him in lieu of retirement and death benefits. His salary was the same in 1991 and 1.2 million ($1.9 million) in 1990.

Details of his remuneration emerged as ADT, a security and car auction company, entered the last stages of a $1.3 billion refinancing arrangement with its banks and preference shareholders.

During 1991 and 1992, ADT's market value has nearly halved to about $975 million.

ADT made a pre-tax profit in 1992 of $116 million and a pre-tax loss of $460 million the year before.

The company, which has been affected by a falling share price, was hit with a lawsuit in April, 1991, from Laidlaw of Canada, its largest shareholder.

The suit claimed ADT had produced an "illusory profit stream'' but was dropped, apparently in return for board representation, according to some reports.