A total of 25 MPs voted in favour of Eric Martlew's private member's Bill, and no MPs voted against, after a two-and-a half-hour debate.
But Commons rules state that votes are only valid if at least 40 MPs vote. The business was carried over.
Martlew said around 400 MPs had been taking part in national "back to school" days in their constituencies.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Tony Blair said he would give the Bill "serious consideration" (News, 7-13 April).
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