PARENTS could be banned from smacking their children if a free vote gets the go-ahead in the House of Commons, but Conservative shadow health secretary Liam Fox believes that outlawing smacking would be "an outrageous intrusion" by the state into parents' legitimate rights and duties.

He said: "There's a whole world of difference between the form of discipline most parents use and premeditated and persistent cruelty which has come to light in cases such as that of Victoria Climbie.

"It is preposterous and deeply insulting".

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans believes that it is important that parents know where to draw the line when punishing children - which in most cases would be just a gentle tap to the hand.

He said: "Some parents argue they have a right to do almost anything with their children, while others argue that hitting children is a gross violation of their human rights. I disagree with both of these views and feel that there is a middle way on this issue.

"No parent has the right to physically injure his or her child or use such physical force that it leaves a mark on the child or creates psychological trauma.

"I trust we have moved on from the days when a father would take a belt to his son and use clenched fists against the child to show superiority and masterhood.

"I believe any punishment or parental guidance should be proportionate to the message they are trying to get across.

"It is vitally important that parents knows where to draw the line and in most cases this will be just a gentle tap to a child who is being completely unruly. This gentle form of reprimand should be sparingly used, otherwise it loses all effect.

"Parental rights should not be misinterpreted as a free for all. The line between reprimand and abuse is incredibly fine and any parent meting out abusive behaviour to a child should feel the full force of the law."