PARLIAMENT.

Thames Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 20155, 4 November 1937, Page 3

PARLIAMENT.

fefitiADCASTiNG BILL Amendment Discussion. JAMMING OF FRIENDLY ROAD. OPPOSITION DENIALS. [By Telegraph.—Press Association] WELLINGTON, Nov. 3. Th : c House of Representatives met fri~£.3o p.m. yesterday. The Auckland Electric Power Board Amendment Bill was referred to tlio Statutes Revision Committee, and the House continued with the committee stages of the Army Board Bill, which was passed after the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates had moved an amendment which was defeated by 43 votes to 20, to allow a Territorial officer to be appointed to the Board. The second reading of the Broadcasting Amendment Bill was moved by the Postmaster-General, the Hon. P. J'ones, who stated that radio licenses had increased throughout the Domin ion by 50,000, compared with last year. He outlined the Government's policy concerning the national broadcasting and commercial services. The debate was continued throughout the evening. The Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. A. Hamilton, considered the Government was trying to legislate itseli out of a very awkward position. Ho advocated a censorship of matter put over the air, and considered the efforts of the Director of Broadcasting to improve the service had been largely nullified by the commercial stations. Mr. J. A. Lee dealt with the jamming of the Friendly Road Station in Auckland prior to the last election, contending that tlie jamming had been carried out under instructions of the previous Government.

This was denied in an interjection by Mr. Coates.

Mr. W. J. Broadfoot contended the Controller of Commercial Broadcasting had been pitchforked into his position without consideration of the fact that he might be unsuitable for the position.

The debate was continued by Or. McMillan and Messrs. Holyoake and Carr, and was interrupted by the adjournment at 10.30.

During the- afternoon the Coal Mines Amendment Bill was introduced by Governor's message, the Minister for Mines, the Hon. P. Webb, stating the measure embracod suggestions which had been fully discussed with representatives of employers and workers in the industry. Legislative Council. The Legislative Council passed tHe Alsatian Dog Bill, Air Force Bill and Air Department Bill. The Army Board Bill was read a first time and a second time pro forma, and referred to the Statutes Revision Committee.