John Bercow accused David Blunkett of "dithering"

He cited the anti-selection campaign in Trafford as an example of unfair campaigning, saying a head teacher had been sending out anti-grammar school propaganda to parents, and a Labour councillor had indulged in "ludicrous hyperbole, accusing grammar schools of being economic apartheid in that area".

He asked Mr Blunkett: "Will you stop dithering and use the powers available to you under sub-section E, section 15, page 10, lines eight to 11, of the grammar school ballot regulations to declare that this year the petition process in Trafford is null and void?

"If you will not do so, do you not understand that people will rightly conclude that you are working hand in glove with left-wing educational vandals who are plotting to destroy some of the finest state schools in this country?"

But Mr Blunkett replied: "Knowing the particular line or section of a regulation doesn't make you either intelligent or right.

"Let me make it absolutely clear to the House again - where complaints are made they will be investigated.

"As I've already indicated, they will be dealt with if those complaints are upheld, from whichever side they come in the discussion about the future of selection."