Premier Alex Scott is scheduled to meet today with Overseas Territories Minister Bill Rammell.

In a Press statement issued by the Department of Communication and Information (DCI), Mr. Scott referred to an "earlier erroneous press report" in and described the meeting as a "routine" one "to enable me to meet with the new Overseas Territories Minister".

"While the issue of Independence is not on the agenda I propose to seek clarification of several issues as they relate to the FCO's review of progress made since the publication of the UK's White Paper."

DCI could not immediately say what reports were deemed to be erroneous, but promised to look into it.

Mr. Scott has been in Bournemouth since Sunday to attend the British Labour Party's annual conference.

DCI has been issuing Press statements daily since his arrival.

The Premier is accompanied by his wife, Olga Scott and Tourism and Telecommunications Minister Ren?e Webb.

On Monday he hosted the Bermuda reception which was attended by a number of political and business leaders and members of the international media. UK Ministers attending included Mr. Rammell, Valerie Amos, International Development Minister, Paul Boateng, Chief Secretary at the Treasury.

"It was a pleasure to exchange ideas in an informal atmosphere, and I am encouraged by the extent of the support and friendship displayed by those who attended."

Yesterday Ms Webb met with her UK counterpart, Richard Caborn for discussions on a "range of issues of mutual interest, including the UK's Tourism Alliance set up along the lines of the Bermuda Alliance for Tourism".

She and the Premier then attended a luncheon hosted by Foreign Secretary Jack Straw attended by 50 Heads of State and Ambassadors and heard a keynote address by Prime Minister Tony Blair.

"I felt that he was a kindred political spirit when he concluded his speech by observing that he was proud of what we can do together," the Premier said.

"I believe that is true of both the Labour Governments in the UK and Bermuda."