Parents in England and Wales can carry on smacking their children without interference from the state, the Government is expected to confirm.

Ministers have concluded that they do not need to change the law which allows parents to use "reasonable chastisement" in disciplining their youngsters.

Their decision follows a UK-wide consultation on the physical punishment of children - ordered after the European Court of Human Rights found that Britain failed to protect a boy whose stepfather beat him with a cane.

A survey conducted as part of the review process is understood to have found that 70% of the public want to preserve the status quo and keep the law as it is.

Health Minister Jaqui Smith said that a change in the law on smacking is not considered "appropriate" at present.

"It would neither command public support nor be capable of enforcement," she said.

The Department of Health is, however, expected to say that the definition of what constituted "reasonable chastisement" will be kept under review to ensure that there are proper safeguards for children.

Nevertheless, the decision not to legislate does put Westminster at odds with the Scottish Parliament, where the devolved administration is preparing to ban all physical punishment of under-threes.

Ministers also face criticism from children's charities who had been pressing the Government to take similar action in England and Wales.

There are also reports that ministers could face a revolt on the issue from their own backbenches.