The government has re-ignited the debate over a euro referendum with a call for comments on the way the poll should be conducted.

The Department for Constitutional Affairs has launched a consultation on how future referendums will be run.

Constitutional Affairs minister Chris Leslie called for responses to the draft "conduct of referendums order" which will set out how the government would run a euro poll and other important votes.

The order also includes preparatory work for the regional assembly referendums promoted by deputy prime minister John Prescott.

Several English regions, including the North East, North West and Yorkshire and Humber, are set to decide whether they want regional assemblies.

"Whilst this is a technical document, it is essential in the completion of the generic legislative framework for the running of a referendum in the United Kingdom, and will need to be in place in time for any proposed regional referendums," Leslie said.

"The main stakeholders in the running of elections and in the future referendums, have already been involved in the development of the draft order but we welcome any further comments that both they and others may now have."

The move comes as the row continues over calls for a referendum on both the single European currency and the proposed EU constitution.

MPs and opposition parties are locked in with ministers over whether the final constitution should be put to a vote.

Tony Blair has argued that the issue is purely a "tidying up exercise" but opponents say the constitution contains sweeping changes to Britain's constitution that must be agreed by the people.

Once the chancellor's famous five tests have been met, a referendum will be held to decide whether Britain will join the single currency.

Some groups have complained about official funding for the election campaign saying it would be slated in favour of "yes" groups because cash is likely to be allocated on a party by party basis.

With Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the SNP and other parties in favour, "no" campaigners argue it will be an uneven contest.

The anti-euro campaign would include the Conservatives and smaller, less well-organised groups.