Premier Alex Scott has accused Government House of being "provocative" over public comments on Bermuda-UK relations.

Mr. Scott admitted to being surprised to see Governor Sir John Vereker's comments earlier this week, in which he called for "careful management" of the Island's relationship with Britain as it became more complex.

The comments caused a stir in the Senate on Wednesday, with two PLP senators expressing their concern, but Mr. Scott has now gone much further.

"I cannot recall Government House being so provocative," he told The Royal Gazette. "I do not think it is helpful and I do not think the Bermuda populace finds it enlightening or helpful. But it seems just spontaneously every chance they get, Government House seems to bring this subject to the fore."

Mr. Scott admitted that he found comments over the relationship intriguing, especially because he was reassured when in London by Overseas Territories Minister Bill Rammell that there was no problem with the constitutional relationship between the UK and Bermuda.

"When I brought up the issue with Mr. Rammell he agreed that there is no concern about the Government in Bermuda and that we run our business in an exemplary manner," he continued.

"Yet the Deputy Governor on two occasions has brought that into question. And then I see that in an article the Governor brings the issue up once again.

"I am confident that there are no issues of concern, yet it keeps coming up as an issue. And, I say, if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck.

"This is something of obvious concern to the Bermuda populace."

He added that he thought Deputy Governor Nick Carter had "put his foot in it" with both an interview in the Bermuda Sun in which he brought up the subject of Independence and at a Press conference on the environment where Attorney General Paula Cox felt moved to return to the microphone to clear up the UK's involvement in a project after remarks by Mr. Carter.

Mr. Scott said he would be bringing up the issue with the Governor during their regular weekly meetings next Monday although he was keen to say that relations between the two parties were not strained.

"We candidly exchange views during these meetings," he said.

"I am not saying we agree on everything, but I can say now that I am never, ever, disagreeable.

"We always leave on a handshake."

Mr. Scott added he thought it "inappropriate" for either the Governor or Deputy Governor to give interviews on constitutional issues as Mr. Carter had done recently.

"I am not going to tell them how to conduct their affairs," he added.

"But it would be comforting to know that Government House was going to cease and desist on bringing up this issue.

"We are not going to yield on the constitutional authority that we have here.

"I'm duty bound as Premier to ensure there is no erosion of the current authority that the Bermudian Government enjoys."

Government House was unavailable for comment last night.