Why I wouldn't become an MP
Sir: Mr Peter J. Smith (1 March) has it right only up to a point. His idea of an appointive- cum-elective House of Commons is no bad one. But it would not cure the basic malady of par- liamentary democracy as it manifests itself in Britain today, which is that it consists of far too much Parliament and too damn little demo- cracy.
In conjunction with any parliamentary re- form should go the adoption of a written con- stitution, which could be appealed to at law. Also a provision for use of the referendum, or what is called in the trade unions 'reference back to the me:nbership.'
Then such controversial measures as the Comn:.onwealth Immigrants Bill 1968 could be appealed to the mass of the electorate. Many will say that the result, on this issue, would. be the same as that enacted by Parliament. But we could be wrong. The British are at base a kindly and reasonable people.
As things are at present we just do not know what the opinions of the mass of the .electorate are. All we know is what the opinions of the members of the major political parties in Par- liament are. A very different matter.
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