The Transport Minister has admitted he commissioned a controversial letter to airlines reminding them that local Ministers would accept ticket upgrades.

Ewart Brown, speaking last night from Florida, told The Royal Gazette he had "taken it upon himself'' to contact Delta Air Line's local manager Jackie Zuill, representing the local airline industry, in September to "let them know'' Ministers would accept the upgrades.

Shadow Transport Minister Erwin Adderley has called the letter "tacky'' and "bad manners'' to ask for an upgrade and said the airlines may feel pressured to upgrade tickets in the future.

And an industry insider said the upgrades would be offered as a courtesy and they would resent being asked.

"I did it on my own,'' Dr. Brown said about the letter. "I had heard comments here and there and I decided to let them know that if they had space, we could be upgraded. Of course it's entirely up to them.'' He added: "It was never a secret. It was written on my instructions and I take full responsibility for it.

"We are in partnership with the airlines and this request was a case of one partner indicating to the other that we would accept the gesture if it became available.'' Dr. Brown denied last night that the letter was in response to a perceived bias against the Progressive Labour Party Ministers by airlines, saying: "I can't say that. I can't say that, no.'' He added: "I don't know what it's about. What precipitated the letter was feedback that I had gotten that Ministers weren't being offered the upgrades.

It's not a big thing. I did it on my own.'' Quoting last night from the September 15 letter, Dr. Brown called the controversy "much ado about nothing'' and denied it was a case of Government heavy handedness.

In the letter, Transport Ministry Permanent Secretary Herman Tucker wrote he had been asked by Dr. Brown to make the request of "airline managers in Bermuda''.

It continued: "On the occasions that Cabinet Ministers travel, it is hereby requested that courtesy upgrades be offered if possible. It is acknowledged that this can only be offered on a space available basis and your consideration of this request is greatly appreciated.'' Mr. Tucker closed by stating he had written Ms Zuill as a conduit to the airline managers and added: "I am grateful to you for agreeing to raise the matter.'' Ms Zuill, who is chairperson of local airline managers, could not be contacted last night to comment.

Ewart Brown TRANSPORTATION TRA