The prime minister has declined to say whether the government will back an outright ban on hunting with hounds.

James Clappison, Conservative MP for Hertsmere, warned that the plans for a total ban passed by a large majority on Monday "could have a very bad effect on the rural economy".

He asked Tony Blair whether the Parliament Act would be used if the House of Lords amended the bill to allow some form of hunting.

The prime minister refused to be drawn on the use of the Parliament Act.

"On the Parliament Act, I have nothing more to add to what... [rural affairs minister Alun Michael] has already said," he insisted.

"I supported the compromise proposal that he has put forward, and it of course is now for the other House to consider the Hunting Bill."

Confusion remains over the government's exact position after its compromise motion was withdrawn late on Monday.

While MPs and many ministers voted for an outright ban, the government has refused to say whether it supports such a move.

Critics say the prime minister's failure to back a total ban leaves the legislation in limbo.

The opposition says the situation is a shambles and has called for an urgent review.

Supporters of the sport warn that a series of mass rallies will be held against the ban and have not ruled out a campaign civil disobedience should parliament pass the legislation.

They point to the situation in Scotland, where a ban is now in place but where hunts are still going ahead.

Pro-hunt MPs say the outright ban may be easy to defend in principle but warn it will be almost impossible to implement in practice.