towards the Island regarding the bases clean-up.

He said the UK had left a $60 million headache with the former armed forces bases and must face up to its responsibility.

Commenting on the Overseas Territories White Paper, he said he was pleased to see mention of environmental matters and now hoped the Government would turn that into action.

"I hope that they will do their international duty that they speak of,'' he said.

"The UK is the country that gave our bases away, as a result of that we have got a $60 million environmental problem. I am glad to see they are interested in green concerns, and hope they will be ensuring a clean-up.'' The White Paper talks of a charter to assist its former colonies in protecting their valuable habitats.

They have earmarked 1.5 million for the project and aim to set up a committee, which can offer advice to territories.

In addition, it hopes cooperation will form the basis of a global environmental policy.

The former bases at Southside and Southampton have a pollution legacy which is expected to cost around $55 million. Waste oil, asbestos and derelict vehicles litter the sites.

Last night, Mr. Hodgson said he hoped Tony Blair's Government would carry out the international duty they talked about.

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