Bermuda could take a leaf out of Britain's law books and introduce laws guaranteeing freedom of information, a top Government Minister said yesterday.

But Development and Information Minister Terry Lister said Government would have to look at the UK White Paper proposals to cut red tape and open up Britain's bureaucracy to public probing before moving further.

And he added: "At this point there is no push-pull here -- we don't have a constituency which is requesting this and without that, there is no impetus to move one way or another.'' But he said: "If there are people who are particularly concerned about particular issues, that may require us to stop, take a look and see what we can do.'' Mr. Lister was speaking after Britain's ruling Labour Party unveiled its long-awaited Freedom of Information Bill last month.

The bill will allow the British public access to information held by Government departments, the police, schools, local authorities, health boards and the courts.

But new exclusions introduced since a White Paper on the subject -- including safety information which can be kept classified -- were slammed.

Mr. Lister said: "In Bermuda, there is really no reason not to disclose to people information which affects them directly.

"Here, I think we do pretty well. People can get access to their medical records and things like that.

"And we have never had any big problems with people's employment files and similar issues.'' But Shadow Development and Opportunity Minister Allan Marshall -- who stressed he was speaking personally -- said he backed Bermuda following the UK's decision to go for more open Government.

He added: "I think it's a good thing -- we need, especially in this day and age, particularly, to have open access, within certain parameters.

"This is my own opinion, but the rest of the world seems to be heading in this direction and perhaps we in Bermuda should too.'' Mr. Marshall also said common standards across national boundaries appeared to be a major world trend.

And he cited various probes into offshore jurisdictions like Bermuda by international financial watchdogs and the European Union.

He added that the UK White Paper also talked about human rights and UK and Euro-style legislation in the Overseas Territories to enforce them.

But Mr. Marshall said: "I don't think Government has said much about freedom of information and I don't think it's a high priority for them.'' "I think it's important that Government communicates -- for example, the vehicle of the press is there to communicate to the public and likewise to ensure there's no hidden agendas in place,'' he continued.

The original White Paper on the subject said all Government information would be available unless it caused "substantial harm'' to the nation's interests.

But UK Home Secretary Jack Straw told the House of Commons that the definition had been widened to exclude any material likely to "prejudice'' Government or national interests.

The provisions cover anything from economic interests to international affairs, as well as the secret services, judicial functions and police activities which could affect ongoing investigations.

But civil rights groups and the Opposition Conservative Party united to claim that Labour had watered down its original commitment.

One group said the exemption meant the UK Government could classify safety information and the Tories said the exemptions went far beyond issues of national security.