United Bermuda Party MPs as ill considered because TV and radio will escape scrutiny.

They also scorned attempts to have representatives from `fringe' publications appointed to the body.

Telecommunications Minister Renee Webb has floated plans to have a Press Council to investigate alleged abuses of press conduct. Newspapers hauled before the committee would be obliged to publish its findings.

But UBP MP and former newspaper editor John Barritt said: "It's a half-baked idea.

"There are two electronic stations in that business and a high percentage of Bermudians watch one or two of the stations at 7 p.m. every night but they are not included in this plan. They should also include the mainstream magazines.'' Opposition MP and VSB radio's cricket commentator C.V. (Jim) Woolridge also attacked the exclusion of the electronic media from the Press Council and said some TV reporting lacked proper standards.

He said: "You sometimes get some people on the telly doing a weekend shift who are not aware of the delicate nature of politics here and they go way beyond the bounds of what should be permitted.'' Ms Webb said the electronic media already had their own watchdog.

She said: "The broadcasting media have the Broadcasting Commission and when people make complaints about the stations they cover this in the news.'' The first draft of the proposal suggests a body of nine members -- four representatives from the newspaper industry and five members -- including the chairman -- from sections of the community.

One press slot would be given to the Worker's Voice - the publication of the BIU.

Mr. Barritt said: "It's just a newsletter - it's not a newspaper, it's a union mouthpiece.'' But Ms Webb said: "It is a newspaper - it comes out every week and it's sold all over the place.'' "People have argued that SALT should be included and they have a valid argument.'' She said the press section didn't have to be restricted to four places and that the structure of the Press Council could be decided by its members.

She said: "This isn't a Big Brother type move.

"I have looked at various Press Councils around the world and this one is based on the most liberal ones and is similar to those in Canada, Australia and Britain.'' "It will be totally independent -- nothing is carved in stone -- a code of conduct needs to be set by the press itself.'' She said she would be quite happy if the press elected the community representatives.

"Clearly if the press aren't happy with the people on the Council or how it's set up, then it won't work.'' She said a Code of Conduct would be set up by the press itself. The body would have no legal powers.

But Mr. Woolridge said: "I don't see the need for a Press Council. From time to time you don't get the type of coverage you want but at other times it is excellent.

"Pretty soon you will have legislation and regulations about waking up in the morning. This hasn't been well thought out.'' "We are a small community and there is always somebody who feels particularly hard done by.'' "Some people aren't aware of their own utterances and then they accuse the press of misquoting them. My advice is to measure their own words.

"When you speak the truth you don't need a good memory. If you don't have the courage of your convictions then you shouldn't say these things.

"Now this idea has reared its ugly head hopefully it will make the printed media and hopefully the electronic media more responsible.

Mr. Barritt said: "The press are right to be suspicious of this. It's being set up because the Government have a bee in their bonnet about the press.'' He said he would welcome higher standards of journalism and a code of conduct but he was concerned the body would "beat up on individuals''.

"My advice to the press is to pick up this idea and get it away from Government as quickly as they can.'' He added: "I think politicians in this country get off lightly in terms of investigations by reporters and the lengths they go to.

"Many times I hear people say; `Where's the News of the World when I need them'?''