text_body: --- DIVISION TITLE ---
  
  Freedom of Information Bill - Harm from disclosure must be substantial - rejected
  
  --- MOTION EFFECT ---
  
  
  
  
  
  
  The majority of MPs voted against tightening the exemption in the Freedom of Information Bill relating to information that could prejudice the formulation of government policy.[1]  
  
  The change would have required the disclosure to cause "substantial harm" for it the information to be withheld, rather than for it to cause only "prejudice" in the "reasonable opinion of a qualified person".[2]
  
  * [1] [http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199900/cmbills/066/00066--f.htm#34 Prejudice to effective conduct of public affairs], Clause 34 of Freedom of Information Bill, February 2000, House of Commons.
  * [2] [http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199900/cmhansrd/vo000405/debtext/00405-32.htm Robert Maclennan MP], House of Commons, 5 April 2000
  
  
  
  
  --- COMMENTS AND NOTES ---
  
  (put thoughts and notes for other researchers here)
  