Reform agenda

A spokesman for Sweet & Maxwell said there did appear to have been "a last-minute push" from Labour.

"As part of their pre-election pledge, the Conservatives had announced that they would introduce less new laws," he said.

"Commentators have questioned how easy it will be for the coalition to implement their comprehensive reform agenda without having to increase substantial amounts of new legislation.

"Business lobby groups in particular will be keeping a close eye on how closely the government sticks to its promise."

Among the laws passed between January and May last year were the Equality Act, which gives employees new protections against discrimination at work, and the Digital Economy Act, which obliges internet service providers to disconnect persistent illegal file-sharers.