Commons shy of TV, but will try radio

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33778, 26 February 1975, Page 17

Commons shy of TV, but will try radio

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright)

LONDON, February 25.

Camera-shy British members of Parliament yesterday narrowly defeated a move towards the experimental televising of House of Commons proceedings — by only 12 votes, 275 to 263.

However, a motion authorising a four-week experimental radio broadcast of the proceedings was carried by 354 votes to 172.

The defeat of the television move was welcomed noisily by members, who waved their Parliamentary papers and directed derisive remarks and gestures at the press gallery, where television and radio journalists were sitting. The publicly-owned British Broadcasting Corporation later announced that it hoped to begin the radio trial soon after Easter; but a 8.8. C. spokesman regretted the House’s decision against television. This is the fourth set-back lin the last nine years for the advocates of television: in 1966 the broadcasting principle was rejected by only one vote, but there were more substantial majorities against the idea in 1972, and again in January, 1974.

Most political observers, however, consider that

Britain will inevitably follow West Germany, Scandinavia, and the Netherlands in having Parliament on television, and that last night’s outcome was only a delay. The votes were free of party disciplines and pressures, and great interest was engendered by all sides during the six-hour debate. Up to now television cameras and radio microphones have been allowed into the House only for ceremonial occasions such as the State Opening of Parliament. Fears were expressed by some members that television would adversely affect the character and standard of the debates, trivial ise the proceedings, and spotlight the sensational. The pro-television members urged their colleagues to “take the plunge and show us, warts and all.” They argued that democracy, and Parliament itself, would benefit from exposure by the :most powerful means of comi munication with the public.