Premier Alex Scott did not break protocol when he revealed details of his discussions in this week's top level Overseas Territories Consultative Council.

A report in another newspaper yesterday claimed that the British Government was 'seething' because of Press releases from the Government's Director of Communications Beverle Lottimore during the week revealing details of the meetings.

The alleged criticism was attributed to an unnamed source within the UK Government hierarchy and was said to have been hinted at by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

However, inquiries by The Royal Gazette late yesterday to the FCO in London revealed that it has not criticised the Island's leader in any way, and further, that Mr. Scott was acting within his rights to pass on details of the discussions to the people Bermuda if he saw fit to do so.

An FCO duty press officer said: "What we said was not intended as criticism in anyway. It is not our policy to issue anything about these meetings ourselves, that is a policy we have decided upon."

He said it was up to the individual participants to decide whether or not to reveal details of the talks.

The FCO spokesman also apologised for not returning repeated enquiries made by The Royal Gazette throughout the week about the progress of the OTCC meetings.

Mr. Scott has been in London as one of the heads of Government from UK Overseas Territories who gathered to hold official discussions with the British Government on topics ranging from law enforcement to financial regulation, disaster preparations and good governance.

The subject of Independence was also raised by the Premier when he met with Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Lord David Triesman during the two-day sessions of the OTCC.

It is understood that a so-called "unique solution" to Bermuda determining Independence through a combination of election and referendum was not ruled out by Lord Triesman when it was brought up by Mr. Scott during the talks.

His decision to bring up the matter while in London attracted criticism from Opposition Leader Grant Gibbons who felt the Premier should have discussed the idea with Bermudians before floating it with the British Government.

Yesterday the Premier replied that it would have been pointless to discuss an idea with Islanders without first checking if it was going to be feasible possibility with the UK Government.

Mr. Scott was still in London last night but is expected to make a statement on his trip and the OTCC meetings when he returns to the Island.