HC Deb 16 May 1918 vol 106 cc541-2
Mr. A. WILLIAMS (by Private Notice)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the hon. Baronet the Member for Ayr Burghs (Sir G. Younger) sent out on behalf of the Executive of the National Unionist Association a three-lined Whip against proportional representation urging Unionist Members to vote against the Commissioners' scheme, and whether he does not consider this a breach of the promise made that this Division should be free from the influence of party Whips?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am not aware, nor was my Noble Friend the Patronage Secretary, of the fact mentioned in the question, and I have not had an opportunity of consulting my hon. Friend (Sir G. Younger), who is in Scotland. I find, however, that, as chairman of the committee referred to, my hon. Friend did send out this Whip, but I learn also that during the passage of the Franchise Bill he occasionally sent out Whips in favour of Amendments against which I voted. It must not be overlooked that my hon. Friend has no official connection with the Government.

Mr. WATT

Would my right hon. Friend say whether he does not think that there is some inconsistency in the Unionist machine being used in connection with a matter which he admits is an open question in the Unionist party?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Yes; I should prefer saying nothing about this until I have consulted my hon. Friend, but I think the members of our party who take a different view have a grievance, if anyone has a grievance. It is really the result of the relaxation of party discipline which results from a Coalition Government.

Mr. WILLIAMS

May I take ft for granted that this Whip was not sent out from the Government Whip's office?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Most certainly; and the Government Whips know nothing whatever about it.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Whip against proportional representation sent out by the hon. Member for Westminster (Mr. Burdett-Coutts) was sent out from the Government Whip's office, or at any rate was prepared there?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is another question of which the hon. Member has given no notice.