A Commons committee has criticised moves to restrict the effectiveness of freedom of information laws.

Outgoing Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer wants to limit the scope of the Freedom of Information Act to stop MPs and journalists getting hold of Government secrets.

And a private members’ bill is goin through Parliament in an attempt to exempt MPs from FoI rules.

But the Constitutional Affairs Select Committee described Lord Falconer’s proposals as “unnecessary, unpopular and undesirable”.

Committee chairman Alan Beith said: “The FoI Act works. It enhances the rights of the public.

“Neither the Government nor MPs should be seeking to limit its effectiveness, and there is no evidence here to support either the Government’s proposals on fees or the Bill.

“I am hopeful that both will now be dropped.”

The committee criticised ministers’ failure to produce any proof the changes were necessary.

And its report on the matter said: “We conclude that the proposed regime could result in public authorities avoiding answers to embarrassing, contentious or high-profile cases”.

Director of the Campaign for Freedom of Information, Maurice Frankel, said: “The Government has been trying to sabotage the Freedom of Information Act by restricting the right of access and supporting David Maclean’s Bill to exempt Parliament.

“Gordon Brown should kill off both sets of malodorous proposals.

“He should tell ministers to stop gnashing their teeth and demonstrate that they are committed to and proud of their legislation.”