HC Deb 02 March 1954 vol 524 cc1004-5
46. Mr. Proctor

asked the Prime Minister if he will arrange that the Teachers (Superannuation) Bill shall be dealt with in this House upon the basis of a free vote of the Members, without the guidance of the Party Whips.

The Prime Minister

No, Sir.

Mr. Proctor

Is the Prime Minister aware of the strong feeling there is upon this matter, and that it is the general opinion that, if left to a free vote, this Measure would be rejected? Can he assure us that he is not being unduly influenced by the threat of resignation on this issue by the Minister of Education?

The Prime Minister

Strong feelings are not always separated from controversial Divisions.

Mr. Bellenger

Why should hon. and right hon. Members have any guidance at all from party Whips on this matter? Are they not capable of judging it for themselves?

The Prime Minister

Is not this a matter which in no way affects the right hon. Gentleman, or the party to which he belongs? And can he not imagine that other parties besides his own are sometimes capable of managing their affairs for themselves?