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Description
John Mackintosh and Esmond Wright with David Murray as chairman discuss the role of Parliament and in particular of the back-bench M.P. in the modern parliamentary decision-making process.
John Mackintosh and Esmond Wright with David Murray as chairman discuss the role of Parliament and in particular of the back-bench M.P. in the modern parliamentary decision-making process.
| Module code and title: | D203, Decision making in Britain |
|---|---|
| Item code: | D203; 17 |
| First transmission date: | 08-11-1972 |
| Published: | 1972 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:16 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Francis Sealey |
| Contributors: | John Mackintosh; David Murray; Esmond Wright |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Back benchers; Role of Parliament |
| Footage description: | Dr. Murray introduces the programme and opens the discussion by setting a question to John Mackintosh. John Mackintosh describes in detail his appreciation of the role of Parliament in the decision-making process, arguing that it (i.e. the body of MPs of one or other of the parties in the House of Commons) has a supportive role rather than as acting as a check on ministerial power. John Mackintosh goes on to describe what he considers to be a second important function of government. Esmond Wright confirms his agreement with John Mackintosh on the points raised by the latter and adds the third role of the backbench MP as communicator, a tapper of public opinion. Dr. Murray asks the two participants to define more closely the role of the back-bench MP. Esmond Wright is the first to reply, drawing a distinction between the reaction of Labour and Tory back-benchers. John Mackintosh replies, taking a slightly different standpoint from that of Esmond Wright. He then goes on to discuss the role of the House of Commons as that of exercising a legitimising function. Dr. Murray points out that both participants have described the role of the MP as a member of a political party and not qua MP simply. Esmond Wright replies defending his approach and goes on to reflect on the relationship between an MP and his constituents. John Mackintosh takes up a point raised by Esmond Wright and the discussion on the relationship between an MP's constituents and party continues. The choice for an MP between loyalty to his constituents and loyalty to his party when the two loyalties clash is discussed. The participants describe why the problem of defining the role of the back-bench MP is a real problem and not an unimportant matter. Dr. Murray sums up the programme, recapping the arguments of the two other participants. Credits. |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/70711 |
| Production number: | 00525_2218 |
| Videofinder number: | 3421 |
| Available to public: | no |
