text_body: --- DIVISION TITLE ---
  
  Freedom of Information Bill - Purpose of Act
  
  --- MOTION EFFECT ---
  
  
  
  <p>The Majority voted to prevent a clarification of the statement of purpose with the sentence, "The purpose of this Act is to facilitate public access to information held by public authorities." and the insertion of a new Clause[1] which said:</p>
  
  <blockquote>The purposes of this Act are to extend progressively the right of the public to information held by public authorities to the maximum extent possible, consistent with the need to protect interests specified in exemptions, so as to promote--
  (a) the accountability of public authorities;
  (b) informed public debate on public affairs;
  (c) public participation in the making of decisions; and
  (d) public understanding of the powers, duties and operation of public authorities.</blockquote>
  
  <p>Many of these purposes have been written into the Code of Practice for the Act.</p>
  
  <ul><li>[1] <a href="http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199900/cmhansrd/vo000404/debtext/00404-11.htm#00404-11_spnew0">
  I beg to move</a>, 4 April 2000, Hansard.</li>
  <li>[2] <a href="http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199900/cmbills/066/2000066.htm">Freedom of Information Bill</a> February 2000, House of Commons.</li>
  </ul>
  
  --- COMMENTS AND NOTES ---
  
  (put thoughts and notes for other researchers here)
  