The government has denied that the failure to print postal ballot papers could result in chaos in the June 10 elections.

Despite a June 1 deadline, more than one in 10 ballot papers still has to be printed in areas where all postal trials are to be held.

The Conservatives are warning that the elections could descend into chaos, with legal challenges to follow, as a result of the failure to despatch papers on time.

Postal workers, printers and the Royal Mail are engaged in an 11th hour push to complete the process.

Dismissing the concerns, constitutional affairs minister Christopher Leslie denied that the elections could be void.

"All concerned - returning officers, printers, Royal Mail are totally focused on the challenge and are working through the weekend and Bank Holiday to ensure successful delivery," he said.

"We don't think any material numbers will miss this date but if they did it wouldn't void the election, it would simply ensure there was time to put the problem right."

Speaking on Sunday the prime minister said he had been assured that the polls would go according to plan.

But critics say the government is responsible for the potential chaos.

Ministers over-ruled a recommendation of the Electoral Commission by pressing on with postal pilots in some areas of the UK.

The Tories claim John Prescott gave the green light to the ballots in a bid to lift turnout in Labour areas.

The Liberal Democrats have also warned that ministers could be forced to delay the polls unless the problem can be rectified in the next 48 hours.