Six M.p.s Attend Talk On Videos (Press, 12 October 1985)
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Summary: Six M.p.s Attend Talk On Videos (Press, 12 October 1985)
On 12 October 1985, former British police chief superintendent Mr Peter Kruger addressed a small gathering at the New Zealand Parliament, discussing the issue of violent videotapes, labelled as "video nasties." His visit was arranged by the Society for the Promotion of Community Standards, led by president Miss Patricia Bartlett. Despite efforts to engage Parliament members during their dinner break, only seven attended the session, which Miss Bartlett found disappointing but understandable given the MPs' busy schedules. Mr Kruger, previously the head of Scotland Yard’s obscene publications branch, could not show the infamous film "Driller Killer" due to the prohibitive cost of £5000 for screening rights. Instead, he spent 35 minutes outlining the proliferation of disturbing content in British media and the legislative measures the UK Parliament had implemented in response, particularly referencing the British Video Recordings Act of 1984. Among those present from the New Zealand Parliament were six Government members and one National member, Mr Graeme Lee, who is currently advocating for a private member’s bill aimed at establishing a classification system for home videotapes and preventing the sale of unclassified videos. Miss Bartlett noted that all members of Parliament had been informed of Mr Kruger’s visit, while Mr John Banks from Whangarei had previously attended a special screening of "Driller Killer" organised by her in a Wellington hotel suite. The discussion highlighted ongoing concerns regarding the regulation of video content and the impact of violent media on society, reflecting broader debates about censorship and artistic freedom.
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