HYNDBURN MP Greg Pope has backed moves to ban the smacking of toddlers.
The Scottish executive is to introduced legislation to outlaw the hitting of children under the age of three.
And although the government is opposed to such a measure in England, the European Court of Human Rights is pressing for similar measures south of the border.
Government spokesmen have opposed such a ban but the Department of Health is understood to be considering replicating the Scottish legislation announced this week by Justice Minister Jim Wallace in Edinburgh.
Mr Pope said: "I am in favour of this.
"There is no good reason why adults should hit young children.
"I think the smacking of children under three should be outlawed."
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