Televising Parliament 'may help behaviour'

Televising the British Parliament curbed unruly behaviour and could act as a reminder to MPs to be well behaved, visiting House of Commons deputy speaker Sir Alan Haselhurst says.

There had been a "fierce" debate in Britain about televising the House of Commons but now there were few MPs who would argue it was a bad thing, Sir Alan said.

"I think it acts as a constraint on behaviour," he said.

MPs would be taken aback if they thought their constituents had seen them on television behaving disgracefully, he said.

"It has actually had a restraining effect upon the way people conduct themselves and perhaps makes sure that more members remember they should be conducting their affairs in moderation and good language."

Sir Alan's visit has coincided with debate here about behaviour in Parliament, after several incidents which have seen the public questioning whether standards were slipping too far.

Recent episodes included New Zealand First MP Ron Mark's finger gesture and last week's threats by Labour MPs to reveal details about the personal lives of National MPs.

Parliament is planning to introduce a continuous live television feed from the debating chamber.

Speaker Margaret Wilson has argued televising Parliament is valuable to democracy, as it gives the public the ability to see how legislation is made and how the government of the day conducts itself.

The proposal to televise Parliament was first put forward in 2003 but was shelved in election year after an argument about media freedom when media strenuously objected to the plans for Parliament to take over the coverage of its proceedings.

But Parliament is pressing ahead and tenders have until mid-October to be put forward.

Asked about Britain's code of conduct, Sir Alan said Britain had established clearer rules in 1996 after its cash for questions scandal.

There was a general understanding among British MPs that "we should not seek to bring personal abuse into parliamentary life".

Sir Alan said it would be improper of him to comment on the current situation in New Zealand or say how it should go about getting its MPs to behave better.

- NZPA