RIGHT TO FREE VOTE

Taranaki Daily News, 22 March 1935, Page 4

RIGHT TO FREE VOTE

PARTY BILLS IN HOUSE MEMBERS IN BANTERING MOOD. REPLY FROM MR. J. G. COATES. HIS REMARK RAISES A LAUGH. (Bv Wire— Parliamentary Reporter.) Wellington, List Night. The right of Government members to exercise free judgment on policy tm&sures of the party was the subject of a cross-fire of banter between the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates and members of the Opposition in the House to-night. “Is the Bill to have the free vote of the House independently of party altogether?” asked Mr. W. E. Barnard when the Minister was replying to the second reading debate on the Rubai Mortgagors Final Adjustment Bill. , Mr, Coates appeared surprised. Do you suggest,” he retorted, that the «rew has ever been put on members on this side of the House?” When the roar of laughter had subsided there were ironical cries of Oh, No!” from the Labour benches, but Mr. Coates continued with some emphasis: “I have never heard such a ridiculous suggestion. Every member of the Government who has definite opinions exercises them, and we can find no fault with that.” „ Mr. A. M. Samuel: Is this Bill a policy measure. , Mr. Coates: What would you think. Mr. Samuel: I am asking the Minister. I think it should be a policy measure. “Why keep up that pretext about the party when you know you are not sincere?” Mr. P. Fraser asked Mr. Coates. Mr.. Coates: Do you say I am not sfficere when I say that members on this side have the right to exorcise their own judgment on this question? Mr. Fraser: I meah on any question it would be accepted as a vote of noconfidence in the Government. Mr. Coates: Has a member on this Side not the right to vote against the Government if he wants to? It is ridiculous td suggest he has not. . Mr. Fraser: And remain in the party: Coates: And remain where he likes. A number have exercised that right. Mr. FraSer: Tell us one! Mr. D. S. Reid: Lots! The incident was closed by Mr. Coates advising Mb. Fraser that he need not get excited over the point.