text_body: --- DIVISION TITLE ---
  
  Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill - That the Question now be proposed
  
  --- MOTION EFFECT ---
  
  The majority of MPs voted in favour of formally considering amendments to the [http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmbills/039/07039.i-i.html Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill] designed to remove Parliament and MPs from the power of the [http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/ukpga_20000036_en_1 Freedom of Information Act 2000].
  
  Specifically, the sponsor of the Bill moved "that the Question now be put"[1] (the Question being whether any amendments to this Bill be made).  Normally this is a quick formality, but the opponents of the Bill, who knew that there was a majority of MPs in favour of this Bill,[2] were trying to slow down the process so it would run out of time (as they succeeded in doing previously).[3]
  
  During a filibuster, every Parliamentary procedure is available to slow things down, so the day began with the deposition of a large number of petitions[4] which some members thought were somewhat suspicious.[5]
  
  These amendments were voted on in [http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/division.php?date=2007-05-18&number=120 Division 120] and [http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/division.php?date=2007-05-18&number=121 Division 121]
  
  * [1] [http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2007-05-18b.882.3#g891.0 David MacLean MP], House of Commons, 18 May 2007
  * [2] [http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2007/may/20/pressandpublishing.freedomofinformation Lords to shame MPs over secrecy bill], The Guardian, 20 May 2007
  * [3] [http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2007-04-20b.551.3 Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill debate], House of Commons, 20 April 2007
  * [4] [http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2007-05-18b.877.0 Petitions], House of Commons, 18 May 2007
  * [5] [http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2007-05-18b.878.0 Andrew Dismore MP], House of Commons, 18 May 2007
  
  
  
  
  
  
  --- COMMENTS AND NOTES ---
  
  (put thoughts and notes for other researchers here)
  