Political Morality.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20773, 6 February 1933, Page 8

Political Morality.

In the crucial division in the House of Representatives on the Banks Indemnity Bill the Government had the support of several members who were known to regard the raising of the exchange as a blunder. It is perhaps natural, in view of the high feeling aroused by the exchange issue that these should be accused, both in the House and in the press, of political dishonesty. Their sole reason for voting against their convictions was, it is suggested, the knowledge that they would be expelled from the Coalition if thoy did not obey . the whips. No doubt this knowledge did weigh with them, for independence of party flies is not an asset in an election. Yet it should be realised that if the charge of political dishonesty is to be levelled in connexion with the division referred to it could mor# justly be levelled against those members of the Coalition who voted in accordance with their convictions and against the Government. At the last general election the Government asked for a free hand to take what measures it regarded as necessary to deal with an alarming financial and economic situation. The need of the moment was for a courageous administration with a secure Parliamentary majority; and in order to achieve this end the normal rules of party politics were suspended. Every Coalition candidate gave an unequivocal pledge to support the Coalition Government if elected, a pledge which must override his personal judgment on matters of policy. In any case, even if they had not given such a pledge, Coalitionists favouring a low exchange could hardly be blamed for refusing to vote against the Government. The rejection of the Banks Indemnity Bill would have forced the Government to resign; and it is excusable to regard a Labour Government as a worse evil than an exchange policy which some people. regard as ursound.