BREACHES OF "PRIVILEGE."

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 136, 30 May 1908, Page 5

BREACHES OF "PRIVILEGE."

FEDERAL COMMITTKES REPURT. Received May 10.55 ji.m. jfelbourne. May iO. The Joint Select Committee of the Federal House of Representatives on procedure for trial and punishment of persons charged with breach of powers, privileges, aud immunities of either Chamber has presented a progress report. The committee says it does not propose to elevate breaches of privilege and contempt of Parliament to the hipcriminal grade of indictable crimes or misdemeanants required to l>e tried by jury. Such offences should He dealt with by a Judge, and, if possible, by a Justice of the High Court, -itting in original and summary jurisdiction, aud dealing with each case as promptly and inexpensively a« jiossilde. The committee recommend* legislation to proTide that persons printing, publishing, or uttering any false, malicious, or defamatory statement calculated to bring the Senate or the House of Representative? or member* of the same or committees into hatred, contempt, or ridicule, or attempting to improperly interfere with or unduly influence or obstructing or assaulting or bribing or attempting to bribe members in discharge of their duties shall be deemejl guilty of a breach of privilege or contempt »nd be liable to be prosecuted. And that the only defence available shall be justification or proof of the truth ( of the statements; and that upon the i Judge finding the complaints proved, he My impose a fine not exceeding £SOO, ] or imprisonment not exceeding twelve i months, and may also order accused 1 to pay costs. r