$60,000 debt it was ordered to clear more than two months ago by a judge.

HDT Properties could face a further legal move unless it pays up the remainder.

Talks have been continuing over the last few weeks to clinch an out-of-court settlement.

In August, the company was told by a Supreme Court judge to pay the cash to JHR Properties, owners of the Emporium building on Front Street.

The money owed is for rent and service charge arrears.

HDT Properties holds the lease on a floor of the building, and rents some of it to the law firm, headed by Mr. Julian Hall MP.

Beneficial owners of HDT Properties include the partners Hall, Duncan and Trott.

It is understood the dispute centred on a part of the floor not occupied by the law firm.

HDT Properties claimed this area had been damaged by an insurance company which had occupied it, and was therefore unrentable.

Agents for the Emporium owners are Leonard Gibbons Real Estate, who took over from LP Gutteridge Ltd.

Community Affairs Minister the Hon. Leonard Gibbons, from Gibbons Real Estate, said yesterday he had been promised the $30,000 balance by Mr. Hall.

"I am trusting we will get the remainder, although we haven't to date,'' he said.

Mr. Gibbons, who pointed out the debt was accruing interest, said it was up to the Emporium owners to decide what action to take, if the money wasn't paid.

One possible remedy would be to take out a writ of execution against HDT Properties.

Lawyers for JHR Properties are Appleby, Spurling & Kempe.