He told MPs that while many parents said they did not smack children, most said it should not be banned outright. He said it was the "common sense position" but campaigners said the decision was a "missed opportunity".
Laws on smacking in England and Wales were tightened in 2004 to stop parents and carers who assaulted children using "reasonable punishment" as a defence. Under the 2004 Children's Act, which came into force in January 2005 mild smacking is allowed but any punishment which causes visible bruising, grazes, scratches, minor swellings or cuts can result in action.
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