The BBC's John Pienaar: "It won't be easy to change habits"

The Home Office is preparing a draft of the law, which has already been delayed several times, to go before Parliament in late February.

But sources close to the government have confirmed to BBC News that radical proposals to increase the public's right to access files that government departments and public bodies keep on almost every aspect of life have been significantly weakened.

Former cabinet minister David Clark, who framed the proposals before his sacking last July, said he had hoped to end the "British culture of secrecy".

Rhodri Morgan: "Dragging our feet"

Under the original wording, right of access to information would be permitted "unless substantial harm is caused".

The word "substantial" has now been removed, greatly broadening the scope for officials to refuse to release information.

Many MPs will view a weaker freedom of information law as a betrayal of Labour's claim to be the party of reform and ministers are privately preparing themselves for confrontation over accusations of backtracking.

Labour MP Rhodri Morgan, who sits on the Public Administration Committee, said he anticipated a "major row".

'Crucial decisions'

"Instead of what we were promised - that is, making Britain one of the most open societies in the world in terms of freedom of information - we'll still be dragging our feet," he said.

The Liberal Democrats have worked closely with Labour on right of access, and deputy leader Alan Beith warned that the government was in danger of "wasting an opportunity that it had created".

"Freedom of information is vital to the wellbeing of many citizens who need to know what information the government is using to make crucial decisions that affect their lives," he said.

Former Labour Chief Whip Derek Foster said the government also ran the risk of undermining its support within the party if it backed down over freedom of information.

"There is already a great feeling of disappointment," he said.