The government is considering reducing the number of American-style super-casinos in a compromise to stop the Gambling Bill being lost because of lack of parliamentary time.

Yesterday all three parties were locked in frantic negotiations over the government's legislation.

Tony Blair has about three days left to force all his outstanding legislation through Parliament, and may lose up to half of the 28 announced in the Queen's Speech.

The plan for identity cards looks set to fail as the Tories and Liberal Democrats indicated they would not allow the "flawed" bill through.

No deal has yet been struck over the Gambling Bill.

The Tories are insisting that the government reduce the number of such casinos to four, and allow smaller British casinos to have more slot machines.

Other bills that are expected to fall because of lack of time include the Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill and the Child Benefit Bill.