The prime minister has rejected backbench requests for ban on the smacking of children.

Speaking in the Commons on Wednesday, Tony Blair said the issue should be considered from the point of view of parents rather than politicians.

Labour backbencher Hilton Dawson said senior police officers preferred a complete ban on the physical punishment of children.

Such a move would be easier to enforce than the government's preferred partial ban, he said.

He added that MPs should have a free vote "on what is a fundamental issue of conscience".

But Blair said he favoured a "common sense way through this".

"I think it is important that we recognise that most parents can tell the difference between disciplining their child and abuse of their child," he told MPs.

"I know there are very strong arguments on all sides in relation to this, and obviously I will listen carefully to any arguments he puts to me.

"But I think sometimes in these circumstances the best thing to do is to feel your way instinctively as a parent rather than a politician."