The issue focused on the amount of information that would be given to an outside party.

"It is not in the public interest for the government to make this information available to a third party, who could use it to attack or harm the government's political opponents," he said.

Tory MP David Tredinnick (R-Bath) had also made a similar point.

"I just want to make sure I am clear: we are very happy to work with all parties to