Klappentext

Originally published in 1970, this book has a dual purpose. Firstly, it is a study of how Parliament works when the party whips are withdrawn. The author shows how backbenchers can create legislation of great importance; he demonstrates the obstacles, political and procedural to social reform; he relates the votes of MPs to their personal characteristics e.g. age, religion and occupation, and he argues that Parliament achieves a fresh vigour and authority when MPs think and act independently of party policy. Secondly, Parliament and Conscience analyses 6 major controversies in British society in the late 20th Century: the death penalty, homosexuality, abortion, theatre censorship, divorce and Sunday entertainment.

Inhalt

1.Introduction Through History 2. The Basis of the Present System 3. Central Control of Local Government 4. Finance 5. The Constitution of a Local Authority 6. Committees 7. The Quest for Efficiency 8. The Reorganization of Structure 9. Local Government and Society. Appendices: A: Distribution of Functions B: Local Authority Populations C: Representation on Outside Bodies: The Association of Municipal Corporations