British Prime Minister Gordon Brown's office is trying to play down a gaffe on the extent of the world financial crisis.

Mr Brown told Parliament that the world economy was in a "depression", although his minders said he meant "recession".

The Conservatives seized on the use of the word depression, insisting Mr Brown urgently clarify his statement.

A Conservative MP said prime ministers in particular needed to be careful about their use of language to ensure they do not undermine confidence.

Mr Brown's office insisted the Prime Minister did not think the world was in a "depression".

Asked if it was a slip of the tongue, a spokesman replied that that could be inferred.