Ministers could be compelled to ask every council how many more refugee children they can take after as many as 20 Tory MPs back law change in the Commons on Tuesday.

Ten Tory MPs are backing a change to the Children and Social Work Bill – and another 13 could sign up - to require ministers to publish vacancy numbers among local authorities.

Ministers faced a storm of criticism earlier this year after announcing that the programme would close after 350 lone youngsters are brought to Britain from Europe.