text_body: --- DIVISION TITLE ---
  
  Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill - MPs' expenses
  
  --- MOTION EFFECT ---
  
  
  
  Shortly after the MPs lost their fight[1] to prevent disclosure of their expenses under the Freedom of Information Act,[2] they debated a change in the law that would have taken away the public's right to know anything about the internal workings of Parliament or see any correspondence between MPs and any other parts of Government.[3]
  
  Owing to the political embarrassment in taking away the public's right to see the MPs' travel expenses, the Speaker of the House assured their continued publishlication, even if all other information became confidential.[4]  
  
  In spite of this, a majority of MPs voted against turning this assurance into a legal obligation.[5]
  
  * [1] [http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debate/?id=2007-04-20b.554.4 Norman Baker MP], House of Commons, 20 April 2007
  * [2] [http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2007-04-20b.551.3#g565.2 David Winnick MP], House of Commons, 20 April 2007
  * [3] [http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmbills/039/07039.i-i.html#NewClause Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill] to the [http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/00036--p.htm#sch1 Freedom of Information Act 2000]
  * [4] [http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debate/?id=2007-04-20b.554.2">Andrew Dismore MP, House of Commons, 20 April 2007
  * [5] [http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2007-04-20b.551.3#g551.4 Clause 1 â Exemption of House of Commons and House of Lords], Simon Hughes MP, 20 April 2007.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  --- COMMENTS AND NOTES ---
  
  (put thoughts and notes for other researchers here)
  