Introduced by David Maclean (Con, Penrith and The Border).

The Bill would amend the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to exempt the House of Commons, House of Lords and correspondence between MPs and public authorities.

The Bill has been criticised for aiming to limit the Freedom of Information Act.

Maclean said: “If someone approached me and asked for a letter sent to the police or a council about a constituent, I would tell them to go away. But there have been cases where the other body can be approached and things slip through the net.

“I want to make sure this cannot happen.

“The move would protect constituents and MPs. If an MP writes to their chief constable trying to get off a driving ban - that is totally different. I am flagging up the issue but I expect nothing will happen.”

House of Commons

First reading: December 18 2006 [HC Bill 39]

Second reading: January 19 2007

Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill Committee:

• 1st sitting: February 7 2007
• Bill as amended: HC Bill 62

Remaining stages: April 20 2007 (debate adjourned)

Resumption of remaining stages: May 18 2007

House of Lords

First reading: May 21 2007 [HL Bill 73]

Bill dropped