YesBut we should have the right to know.

Today the House of Commons debated a private member’s bill to exempt Members of the House of Commons and House of Lords from Freedom of Information Act inquiries.

David Maclean said he introduced the bill because “When we write on behalf of constituents we must be able to look them in the eye and say that in all circumstances what they tell us will not get out.”

But the bill would also have the effect of exempting MPs and peers from having to disclose their expenses.

This was yet another move to dilute the powers of an already emasculated Freedom of Information Act.

The bill was fortunately scuppered by opponents who by filibustering talked-it-out.