Opposition backbencher said Friday night.

And Trevor Moniz (UBP) called for annual reports giving a breakdown of charities' spending so they can be properly monitored.

Mr. Moniz was speaking after it was revealed a staggering 139 registered charities had failed to submit their accounts for the last financial year within six months of the end of the period.

And 67 charities are more than one financial year behind in submitting accounts -- which they are required to do by law.

The answers came after Mr. Moniz tabled a series of questions for Health and Social Services Minister Nelson Bascome (PLP).

Mr. Bascome told the House: "The Charities Commission are intending to do a study.'' He added that a number of the charities listed as being late with their books had "fallen by the wayside''.

Mr. Bascome said: "In fact, a number of charities have probably gone beyond their useful lives and the Charities Commission is currently looking at cleaning this up.'' And he told Mr. Moniz he would consider introducing detailed annual reports on charities' spending, subject to advice from the Charities Commission.

Among the charities listed as a year or more late with their accounts are the Bermuda Police Benevolent Fund, Keep Bermuda Beautiful, the Girl Guides and Scouts Association, and the Bermuda Olympic Association.

Others listed as slow off the mark include the Bermuda Track and Field Association, the Bermuda Triathlon Association, and the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control.

AIDS charity the Allen Vincent Smith Foundation, the Bermuda Hospice Trust and Friends of the Hospice are also at least a year out in keeping up their accounts.