M.P. sought as witness

Press, 5 December 1979, Page 1

M.P. sought as witness

Paliamentary reporter One of the defendants in a defamation suit being brought by a Christchurch lawyer, Mr G. R. Lascelles, has petitioned Parliament for leave for one of its members to give evidence in the case. Wellington Newspapers, Ltd, publisher of the “Dominion” and “Truth,” is cited as first defendant in the action. Radio Avon is cited as second defendant. Wellington Newspapers

wants the Labour Member of Parliament for Auckland Central, Mr R. W. Prebble, to give evidence for the defence. Its petition seeking Parliament’s leave for him to do so was presented yesterday by Mr K. M. Comber (Govt., Wellington Central). The action involves articles about drugs that were published in the “Dominion” and “Truth” and broadcast on Radio Avon.

Earlier this year Mr Prebble was at the centre of a controversy arising from his reading in the House the script of an unscreened television programme on alleged drug dealing in New Zealand. Mr Prebble cannot be subpoenaed to give evidence on statements he made under the protection of Parliamentary privilege. Parliament has a standing similar to that of a court of law and one of its

members cannot be subpoenaed to give evidence on statements made in the House. A member doing so voluntarily could be held in breach of privilege. It is believed that the petition has no precedent in New Zealand, but it is common practice in the British House of Commons. The petition has been referred to Parliament’s petitions committee for consideration.