Health Minister Nelson Bascome has been attacked for ruling out a public inquiry into the demolition of asbestos-ridden buildings on Southside on grounds of cost.

Shadow Health Minister Kim Young said it was more important to spend money ensuring the people of St. David's were not at risk, than on first class foreign travel, cars for Ministers and fast ferries.

Contractors employed by St. George's South Progressive Labour Party MP Arthur Pitcher were ordered to stop demolishing the buildings off Texas Road and a team of asbestos experts were brought in.

Mr. Pitcher, who has the contract to build houses on the site for the Bermuda Housing Corporation, flouted planning procedures by not getting a permit before demolition began.

He also started work on the houses before he got planning permission.

In the House of Assembly last Friday, Mr. Bascome said the asbestos removed was low risk "non-friable'' material which posed little danger if disturbed, but he said residents and Mr. Pitcher's workers should not have been exposed to any risk.

He has instructed his officials to carry out an investigation to find out if the law was broken over the demolition.

But he rejected a call from the United Bermuda Party for a full public inquiry on the grounds it would be too expensive.

Ms Young said: "We have a clear example of the health of the people of St.

David's and the employees of Mr. Pitcher's demolition team being put at risk by the inadequate measures being used to remove the asbestos.

"The Minister refuses to have a full public inquiry, but just how far will he go to protect the health of the people of Bermuda? "Protecting the physical, mental and social well-being of the people of Bermuda should be a priority when a serious health hazard is known -- not a case of, if we can afford it. Isn't the Minister concerned about the people? "A full independent inquiry will be a record for the future when residents who live in the area and the employees who did the demolition could show signs of disease caused by exposure to this asbestos debacle.'' Questioning why Mr. Pitcher and BHC were not fined for starting demolition before planning permission was granted, she asked: "Does Government feel that Members of Parliament and quangos deserve different treatment?'' Mr. Bascome could not be contacted for comment last night.