FULL INQUIRY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20782, 17 July 1937, Page 8

FULL INQUIRY

BROADCASTING OF DEBATES By Telegraph-Pres* Association AUCKLAND, July 16. Tlie question of permitting debates over the air is being investigated by the Government said the Hon. F. Jones to-day in reference to the remarks made by Mr F. Doidge in the refusal of the broadcasting authorities to allow a debate on Socialism between him and Mr W. J. Lyon, M.P. Mr Jones said that every phase of the subject was being looked into, and nothing would be done until after a most complete examination of the position.

STATEMENT BY MR LYON ORIGINAL OFFER HOLDS GOOD By Telegraph—Press Association AUCKLAND, July 16. A reply to statements made by Mr ir. W. Doidge concerning the projected broadcast debate between him and Mr W. J. Lyon, M.P. for Waitemata, was made by Mr Lyon. “The question of a debate between Mr Doidge and myself arose as a result of a meeting of the Peoples University Association, at which Mr Doidge was the speaker,” said Mr Lyon. “In view of the hostility shown, I approached Mr Doidge

. nd off red to debate any political issue with him at any meeting he cared to designate. He promised to think the matter over, and on the following day he rang me and suggested IYA as the medium. I then rang the stationdirector, who informed me that approval was necessary from the director of broadcasting, Professor Shelley. I wired the Professor and the acting Prime Minister (Hon. P. Fraser) to

secure permission from the former for ihe station to be used, and to receive

approval from the Minister for my personal participation. Professor Shelley replied that the whole question of debates over the air was under consideration, and he could not give permission until this was finalised. Mr Fraser replied to the effect that the matter had been referred through the acting Minister in charge of broadcasting to Professor Shelley with the same result. Mr Doidge’s statement that the debate could have taken place before this Government took office is too ridiculous. He must know that under the Broadcasting Board any critical reference to the Government was excised from the manuscript, and if subsequently mentioned by a speaker, he was immediately cut off. Perhaps he has also heard that station IZB was officially jammed (see admission of Hon. A. Hamilton). Meantime my original offer holds good. I am prepared to debate with Mr Doidge publicly in any hall and before any audience he specifies. He can choose his own political subject, and name his own conditions.”