Labour's motion, calling for the culture secretary to be referred to an inquiry by Sir Alex Allan, the prime minister's adviser on the ministerial code, was defeated by 290 to 252 votes.

BBC: Jeremy Hunt and the ministerial code debate

He added that the publication of the statements, just hours before MPs set off for their 11-week summer break, means the prime minister has "violated his own ministerial code of conduct 10 times in one day".

BBC: Brown 'in charge' over the summer

The prime minister rejected suggestions that his adviser on the ministerial code, Sir Alex Allan, should have the power to launch his own inquiries.

BBC: David Cameron

"E15 is not prime market, " he added, referring to the area's postal code.

WSJ: London Developers Hope for Olympic-Size Boom