By Matthew Taylor Bermuda's bid for e-commerce business could be given a boost after Britain passed a law allowing Police and security services to trawl private e-mail messages.

The law, passed after months of wrangling, has drawn criticism that it will scare away electronic business.

Telecommunications Minister Renee Webb told The Royal Gazette that the 1999 Electronic Transaction Act ensured the right to privacy in Bermuda and Britain's loss could be Bermuda's gain.

"I think they will chase business away. I think it could be an opportunity. I am surprised the UK Government has taken this line. They must be the first country to do this.

"We have no plans for this. We already have the Data Protection Act.'' And she echoed criticism made by UK Internet experts who said the legislation could easily be bypassed.

In Bermuda, Police are barred from intercepting messages while they are being sent, but once they arrive, officers could access them with the aid of a search warrant.

Lawyer Tim Marshall said Police had to go via a Supreme Court judge to get this right.

But he also pointed out that there was nothing to stop bosses looking at their employees' private e-mails if they were sent using the company's computer.

He said: "As far as I am concerned, most reasonable employers have no difficulty with employees using the Internet for personal use -- providing they get their work done.'' But he said employers determined to snoop on private e-mails should make it clear from day one.

"The employee can decide if he wants to work in an environment where the employer is poking around in their business.

"I would take exception with an employer who wanted to monitor my e-mails.

Obviously if you work in an environment where security is important, you would need greater access.''