Expenses - U-turn or slip

The PM has said during PMQs that his Labour MPs will now not be whipped to vote for MPs to be exempt from FOI with regard to their expenses.

U-turn or slip of the tongue?

Earlier the PM's Official Spokesman said Labour MPs would be whipped. This was then confirmed by Harriet Harman's office.

But the PM said there would be a free vote. Did he make policy up on the hoof?

Whatever, if a U-turn has been performed it is a step in the right direction though even better would be for this proposal to be withdrawn.

The PM looks to have taken this decision to salvage his reputation!

UPDATE: EXTRAORDINARY. GOVERNMENT HAS NOW WITHDRAWN THE STATORY INSTRUMENT THAT WAS DUE TO BE VOTED ON THIS THURSDAY. VICTORY!