caves full of gallons of waste oil at the former US Naval Annex, Premier David Saul said yesterday.

Dr. Saul, who departs on Monday on a ten-day European trip which includes a courtesy call on British Prime Minister John Major, said he plans to find out when the British will clean up a similar problem at HMS Malabar.

Speaking at a Press briefing yesterday, the Premier said Britain had acknowledged responsibility for the dumping at its former base at Malabar and had also agreed to pay the costs of the clean-up.

"Although the Ministry of Defence thought work might start on pumping the (Malabar) oil out early this year, no firm date has been set,'' he said. Dr.

Saul said it is not certain how much oil is in the caves, located under Casemates prison as well as the Westgate Correctional Facility, but the amount is "in the thousands of gallons''. The clean-up could take a year, he added.

Bermuda is trying to get the Americans to follow the British lead, he added.

"We are in the process of trying to get the Americans to follow the British example and clean oil out of a cave at the Annex.

"The US has acknowledged there is a problem at the West End (but) the depth and complexity is unknown. They have acknowledged it is their responsibility.'' Dr. Saul will discuss the Malabar problem when he holds talks with Foreign Office Minister Sir Nicholas Bonsor in London next week.

With the Prime Minister, Dr. Saul plans to discuss developments related to the return of Hong Kong to Chinese rule and any changes between Britain's dependent territories after Hong Kong is returned.

After the talks in London, Dr. Saul will attend the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

As well as Dr. Saul, Finance Minister Grant Gibbons, property catastrophe reinsurer Mid Ocean Ltd. president and CEO Michael Butt, excess liability insurer EXEL Ltd. president and CEO Brian O'Hara, and Linda Milligan-Whyte, senior partner of law firm Milligan-Whyte & Smith, will attend the World Economic Forum.

Bermuda has been present at all nine forums, attended by business and political leaders from around the world.

"While in Switzerland, we will be pursuing new business opportunities for Bermuda,'' Dr. Saul said.

Prior to the World Economic Forum, Dr. Saul will attend a Bermuda International Business Association (BIBA) function in London.

MILITARY MIL CONFERENCE CON