Discord between two Cabinet ministers over plans to make parents attend residential parenting classes as a means of tackling antisocial behaviour has come to light.

Lord chancellor, Lord Irvine, has reportedly written to home secretary David Blunkett strongly criticising the proposals, first mentioned in the antisocial behaviour white paper published in March.

A leaked letter from Irvine to Blunkett, and copied to the Prime Minister, says: "Some will regard a court order imposing a residence requirement... as a draconian or extreme example of the nanny state."

Irvine is thought to have questioned whether such orders represent a breach of parents’ human rights.