Gordon Brown has been urged to drop a plan to restrict access to information because it could allow public bodies to dodge difficult questions.

The Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer of Thoroton, wants to limit the Freedom of Information Act in an attempt to stop MPs and journalists getting hold of government secrets.

An all-party Commons committee, however, criticised ministers’ failure to produce any proof that the changes were necessary.

The Constitutional Affairs Select Committee described the proposals as “unnecessary, unpopular and undesirable”.

“We conclude that the proposed regime could result in public authorities avoiding answers to embarrassing, contentious or high-profile cases,” the report said. “No clear evidence to support the [department’s] decision that a change to the regime was necessary has been published.”

Aides to Mr Brown have indicated that he is unlikely to support the introduction of restrictions of the public’s right to know. But no formal announcement has been made.

The committee also criticised a Private Member’s Bill that seeks to exempt MPs from freedom of information rules.

Alan Beith, the committee chairman, said: “The FoI Act works. It enhances the rights of the public. Neither the Government nor MPs should be seeking to limit its effectiveness.”

Maurice Frankel, the director of the Campaign for Freedom of Information, said: “The Government has been trying to sabotage the Freedom of Information Act by restricting the right of access and supporting [the] Bill to exempt Parliament.

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

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