BROADCAST OF PARLIAMENT

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29269, 29 July 1960, Page 12

BROADCAST OF PARLIAMENT

Restrictions On M.P.’s Urged

"The Press" Special Service DUNEDIN, July 28. “If the broadcasting of Parliament is to continue—and it at least has value to many people as an entertainment—a clear line should be drawn between those things for which a member of Parliament is not liable and those wanton or negligent attacks on the character of others for which he should be answerable at law the same as other people," said Dr. O. C. Mazengarb at a public meeting arranged by the Constitutional Society this evening. For more than 300 years legislators had been able to say what they liked in Parliament under cover of privilege, he said. But the widening power of the State in its relation to the private affairs of citizens, and the identification of civil servants and others with the initiation and administration of government policy, had created a difficulty which had 'particular application where proceedings were broadcast. Dr. Mazengarb said. When attacks were made from the floor of the House on persons outside, those criticised or defamed could not reply over the air or bring an action against their accusers. “A few weeks ago a former Minister of the Crown referred to a departmental head as a Communist,” he said. “When an arrow like that is shot into the air it comes to earth one knows not where.”

Although such a remark might be withdrawn, great harm might already have been done to the individual, his department, and even to the Dominion itself in its relations with other countries, he said. It was one thing when members resorted to “character assassination” among themselves: it was quite another when the character and personal beliefs of others outside the House were attacked.

“The right of an M.P. to speak freely over the radio should end where the right of citizens not to be unfairly attacked begins,” Dr. Mazengarb said.