Premier Jennifer Smith has hinted at further public consultation on Constitutional change while yesterday the Opposition revealed they were already setting up forums on the issue.

Government is seeking to end dual-seat constituencies and plans to set up a Boundaries Commission on the issue.

At a news conference yesterday, the Premier hinted her Government was not obliged to go further than putting the issue to the House of Assembly before it was sent to London.

But a Foreign and Commonwealth Office press officer confirmed to The Royal Gazette Baroness Scotland had written to Opposition Leader Pamela Gordon on the issue a couple of weeks ago, pointing out this wasn't the case.

The spokeswoman said: "In essence, from what I understand Baroness Scotland said was that there is indeed a need for public consultation.'' She said the letter had not specified a referendum.

When asked whether a parliamentary debate would suffice, the spokeswoman said: "No''.

The letter from Baroness Scotland, obtained by The Royal Gazette , spelt it out: "There must be adequate and demonstrable public consultation and debate before any changes are made.'' It also confirmed Tuesday's Royal Gazette report which said London would not sanction constitutional changes until "a satisfactory consultative process has taken place''.

In Tuesday's report, Deputy Governor Tim Gurney also said: "It was made clear to the Premier and Pam Gordon that there must be demonstrable public discussion and debate to the proposed changes in the constitution.'' At the press conference yesterday the Premier responded that it was premature to talk about a constitutional conference at this point in the process: "What would be discussed?'' she asked reporters.

"We have no number of seats. The debate the public seem to want to have is on the number of seats. That is a statistical, demographic process of looking at the country...'' The Premier then hit back at the Opposition, challenging the UBP on why they had not organised a debate: Premier challenges UBP on Constitution "Tell me something,'' Ms Smith queried reporters. "You are very interested in public debate, and I am glad you are.

"Have you asked the Opposition leader why she, who has a contrary position, hasn't had a public debate. Has she gone up and down the Island? I find it quite extrodinary no one has thought to ask the other side.'' Last night Ms Gordon fired back: "I understand the Premier said the UBP should host the meetings -- we are quite prepared to take on the leadership role in assisting the people of Bermuda to have their voice heard.

"To that end we have organised a meeting for the October 26 at the Presbyterian Church Hall on Church Street at 8 p.m.

"If the Premier believes it's the Government's role to follow, then obviously it's the Opposition's role to lead.

"A lot of people in Bermuda were looking to the Government because they felt they would let the voice of the people be heard.

"The Government are trying to find ways of running from dealing with and speaking to the people.

"We have heard enough from the Government saying they don't believe a debate is important and enough from the Opposition saying a debate is important.

"What's important is that we want to hear from the people who elected us -- they are the ones who should have the final say on constitutional change.

"The challenge of the UBP team is to put it to the people. What are they afraid of if they are the people's government? She added: "We believe a series of meetings are necessary'', adding Government was privy to inside information on the issue and it was their duty to keep the public informed.

The Premier said there was no need for a constitutional conference -- despite a poll released yesterday, which said 57 percent of those questioned favoured it.

She said it would be premature before a Boundaries Commission had set out likely changes.

She pointed out that the Boundaries Commissions were made up equal numbers of Government and Opposition Members.

But Ms Gordon said the Premier could then amend a Boundaries Commission's report.

Photos by Nigel Richardson Premier Jennifer Smith held a rare press conference yesterday in a bid to give Government's view on proposals for constitutional change.