Ombudsman To Lead Scientology Inquiry

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31904, 4 February 1969, Page 1

Ombudsman To Lead Scientology Inquiry

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, February 3.

A commission of inquiry comprising the Ombudsman (Sir Guy Powles) and a retired newspaper editor, Mr E. V. Dumbleton, has been appointed to inquire into certain aspects of Scientology.

Sir Guy Powles will be chairman of the inquiry, which will be restricted to the activities, methods and practices of the organisation as they might affect certain social relations.

Questions of the cult’s philosophy, teachings or beliefs have been expressly excluded from the commission’s terms of reference, except where they are relevant to matters with which the commission will be concerned. The commission will have the right to subpoena witnesses and is required to report to the Government on the results of its inquiry by April 30. However, the Minister of Justice (Mr Hanan) I said today that he hoped the

commission would report sooner than that. Announcing the Government’s decision today, Mr Hanan said that under the terms of reference the inquiry would be confined to the activities, methods, and practices of the organisation so far as they may: Cause or contribute to estrangements in family relationships; Affect the custody or control of children persons under the age of 21; Result in persons who have severed their connection with Scientology or any Scientology organisation ’ or body, or any other persons, being subjected to improper or , unreasonable pressures of any kind by Scientologists or any Scientology organisation or body.

Mr Hanan said questions of the philosophy, teachings or beliefs of Scientology were expressly excluded, except insofar as they might have to be considered to facilitate the inquiry. The commission, said Mr Hanan, was directed to report on the working of existing law and the necessity or expediency of any legislation in respect of the matters within its terms of reference.

The commission would begin its hearing as soon as practicable—possibly within a few days, said Mr Hanan. It was up to the discretion of the commission where it would hold its hearings and whether it would be open to the public.

Under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1908, botli Sir Guy Powles and Mr Dumbleton will have the power and status of magistrates in respect of citing parties interested in the inquiry, summoning witnesses, administering oaths, hearing evidence, and conducting and maintaining order at the inquiry. Every person who, after being duly summoned to attend before the commission or to produce books, papers or documents, fails or refuses to be sworn to give evidence or to answer questions will be liable to a fine not exceeding $4O. Witnesses attending the hearings will be entitled to expenses for travelling and maintenance according to the scale allowed to witnesses in Supreme Court civil cases. Witnesses giving evidence will have the same privileges and immunities as witnesses in courts of law.