The governing centre-right coalition in Poland has been thrown into disarray after the larger partner, Solidarity, helped to secure parliamentary approval for tax exemptions for larger families -- in the face of opposition from its smaller ally, the Freedom Union.

The finance minister, Leszek Balcerowicz, accused Solidarity of voting against its own government, its own prime minister and its own budget.

Mr Balcerowicz warned that the reduced revenues of forty-four million dollars could undermine the draft budget for next year.

Correspondents say the tax row reflects problems of discipline within the coalition; they say it also highlights differences between the pro-business Freedom Union and the trade-union-led Solidarity bloc.