sorry for the late reply, i only just noticed this post
It is *somewhat* like you say, in that on important issues the Whips are there to ensure that backbench MPs vote with the party leadership, but the "primary" job of the whips is meant to be to ensure that the various houses are satisfied with the timetable of sittings.
Apparently each party's Whip's office sends weekly notes detailing debates in order of importance - debates that are underlined 3 times are 'necessaries' and presence (and, i presume, compliance with the leadership) are expected.
But yes, on important issues the Whips are there to keep the party in line, which is very limiting on democracy.
But then again, so is the House of Lords
