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 Firstly it is a study of how Parliament works when the party whips are withdrawn.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.
