Oral Answers to Questions — India. – in the House of Commons at on 28 September 1931.
Mr Peter Freeman
, Breconshire and Radnorshire
asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the policy of maintaining a fixed rate for the rupee and the present proposal of pegging it on to sterling adversely affects conditions of living in India; and whether His Majesty's Government will consider the desirability of granting the Indian legislature permission to discuss this matter and decide their own policy on a free vote of the elected representatives?
Mr Samuel Hoare
, Chelsea
As a decision has already been taken, the question of submitting the matter for decision to a free vote of the Indian Legislature does not arise. I note in the Press that the matter has been discussed by the Assembly.
Mr Wilfred Wellock
, Stourbridge
In view of the adverse vote on that issue, will not the Government reconsider it?
Mr Samuel Hoare
, Chelsea
No, Sir.
Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
A vote where members are not obliged to support their party's position, and can vote however they choose. This is the opposite to a whipped vote. It is customary for parties to provide a free vote for legislation dealing with matters of conscience.
