planned education cuts.

Dr. James King said Government had to ensure it could afford what it spent.

By following this policy cash could be released to educate children whose parents were hit by "crippling debt''.

Dr. King was answering fierce criticism from parents and the Bermuda National PTA about the cuts.

The PTA has expressed fears the cuts could lead to a shortage of teachers and school books.

Education Minister the Hon. Gerald Simons has already stepped in to allay the fears.

And he and Finance Minister the Hon. David Saul will meet parents on February 6 at Bermuda College to explain the cuts.

Yesterday Dr. King, saying he had listened carefully to the protests, backed Government's stance.

He accepted the right of everyone to a solid and thorough education.

But added: "It would be irresponsible of the Government to overspend in any one area when cost savings can be realised without compromising the delivery of services, particularly in an area that is so key to Bermuda's future.

"Having listened to community demands for more cost effective Government, experienced the recession, and seen what overspending has dealt the people of other jurisdictions, we must ensure that we are able to afford what we spend.

"This policy enabled us the flexibility to better meet the needs of those most severely hit by the recession and protect the very children we want to educate from crippling debt -- a burden not easily shaken off once assumed.'' Dr. King added the UBP backed Mr. Simons and Dr. Saul in their bid "to do the right thing for Bermuda's children now and in the future''.