Government seeks to quell FoI row

The announcement by Commons Leader Jack Straw effectively sounded the death knell for a contentious bid to exempt MPs from the Freedom of Information Act.

But Tory MP David Maclean refused to admit defeat over his Private Member's Bill despite its failure to secure the support of a peer to steer it through the Lords by Wednesday's deadline.

The measure - which triggered an outcry when it was backed by the Commons last month - could technically be revived, though critics said a lack of Parliamentary time means it stands almost zero chance of becoming law by the end of the session.

Mr Maclean claims the measure is needed to protect MPs' correspondence with constituents from disclosure by public authorities.

But opponents dismiss that as a "smokescreen" for a much wider exemption.

They say such letters are already covered by the Data Protection Act and the bill is far too widely drawn.

Mr Straw signalled that new legislation would not be needed to protect MPs' correspondence.

Mr Straw said "absolutely clear" guidance would instead be issued to public authorities.

Tory former defence minister Lord Trefgarne had been tipped to sponsor the Bill in the Lords but Mr Maclean said they had abandoned it for now.

Some MPs believe they came under pressure from Conservative leader David Cameron to drop the fight amid fears it could embarrass the party. Mr Cameron has said Conservatives would not support it in its present form if it came to a vote in the Lords.