Bermuda'' or has received a "place in the sun'' for years of loyal service to Britain's Conservative Party. It all depends upon which British newspaper you read.

The appointment on Monday received little attention in the British media, although The Times and The Daily Mail both devoted reports to it.

The Times said Lord Waddington, a former Home Secretary, "was moved to the Lords by (Prime Minister) John Major when he took over from Margaret Thatcher, but he has been unable to ensure a smooth ride for government legislation in the upper chamber.'' "Bermuda has acquired an unfortunate reputation as a dumping ground for senior government figures,'' the newspaper continued, adding incorrectly that the Duke of Windsor was appointed Governor of Bermuda during the Second World War. The Duke was Governor of the Bahamas.

The error was removed from later editions of the newspaper.

However, The Daily Mail was more charitable, headlining its story: "A feather in Lord Waddington's new hat.'' "Lord Waddington has earned a place in the sun where one of his heavier duties will be wearing a plumed hat and ceremonial uniform in the heat,'' the story said.

"I know very little about the job yet, but it's a very nice climate. I might do some sailing,'' Lord Waddington told the newspaper.

"Lord Waddington, a father of five, takes the titular role of head of state, complete with 17th Century white plumed hat, ceremonial sword and horse-drawn landau,'' the report added.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office junior minister Mr. Mark Lennox-Boyd will continue to have responsibility for Bermuda following Mr. Major's Cabinet shuffle this week.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State since 1990, was responsible for Bermuda in the last Parliament.