television programming during debate over laws broadening the powers of the Broadcasting Commissioners.

Much has changed in 40 years of broadcasting, Finance Minister the Hon. David Saul told the House of Assembly.

That was why the Broadcasting Commissioners Amendment Act 1993, which passed its second reading yesterday, was needed. the bill updates the 1953 Act.

Among specific changes, it would ease the submission of programme contents to the broadcasting commissioners, broaden commissioners' powers to allow prohibit advertising and solicitation of funds, and increase penalties to $5,000 from $1,440.

Passing the Act would enable the House to enact new television and radio regulations that were also debated yesterday.

Mr. Julian Hall (PLP) said his party had no "grave concerns'' about the Act, and agreed the present law "was woefully out of date''.

He questioned how the commissioners -- who are appointed by the Governor -- are selected. "There is considerable disquiet within the community about the political independence of the broadcasting commissioners,'' Mr. Hall said.

"There is more than enough evidence that these commissioners jump to the tune of the United Bermuda Party Government.'' Mr. David Allen (PLP) said some broadcasting commissioners had been active in the UBP. Commissioners were abusing the power they already had by "restricting freedom of speech,'' so it was worrisome to give them more.

National Liberal Party Leader Mr. Gilbert Darrell wanted to know why television and radio were singled out for regulation, when the Press was "getting away with murder''.

Health and Social Services Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness began by disclosing that he worked 30 years in broadcasting and is now a director of one of the Bermuda Broadcasting Company.

There was a fundamental difference between broadcast and print, because the print medium leaves a written record of what is said, making it easier for an injured party to seek redress, he said.

The Governor consults with the Premier before selecting Broadcasting Commissioners, and if he does not consult with the Opposition, it is likely because of the party's "stated policy of not permitting its supporters to sit on Government boards'', Mr. Edness said.

If the PLP was changing its position in light of the approaching election and it's desire to appear responsible, it should say so.

Mr. Reginald Burrows (PLP) said he hoped the broadcasting commissioners would note recent comments by BBC general manager Mr. Malcolm Fletcher, who was quoted as saying live coverage of Wimbledon could be blacked out if too many complaints about highlight coverage were heard.

"The general manager is attempting to intimidate people,'' he said. Ms Jennifer Smith (PLP) said she is concerned by the offensive music sometimes played on local radio. Government was talking of widening the commissioners' powers, but she questioned whether they used the powers they already had. "I don't see any monitoring going on.'' Mr. Nelson Bascome (PLP) said the 1953 Act said no programme should be broadcast which "offends against good taste and decency'', but the commissioners were not doing their job.

Works and Engineering Minister the Hon. Ann Cartwright DeCouto said she was distressed "when I hear the lyrics of some of the records that are played''.

"It's a black thing -- you wouldn't understand it,'' shouted Mr. Hall. "I do understand obscenity when I hear it,'' the Minister replied.

Responding to Mr. Darrell, Mrs. Cartwright DeCouto said she favoured a Press Council to handle complaints about fair treatment by newspapers.

Deputy Opposition Leader Mr. Walter Roberts said PLP members sit on the Defence Board and others, but the party feels members should not sit on controversial Government boards, or ones that could compromise the PLP's Shadow Minister.

The broadcasting commissioners should represent all opinions on the Island, and "not be a political hack board'', he said.

The Hon. John Stubbs (UBP) told Mr. Darrell the airwaves belong to the people and must be regulated. "I don't think we've ever met that responsibility as fully...as indeed we should have,'' he said.

Irresponsible parents were letting children watch "the most foul television,'' and "the damage being done to young minds is incalculable,'' he said.

Dr. Saul said it was clear most people wanted greater control over broadcasting and the Act will give the community "what they have been legitimately demanding''.

He agreed offensive matter was coming across the airwaves and said the Act would help control that.

"The commissioners have done an excellent job so far,'' Dr. Saul said. "With the passage of this amendment act, they will be empowered to do an even better job.''