OTTAWA - The contentious issue of Afghanistan prisoner abuse and the Tory government's propensity to withhold documents on the issue won't be going away any time soon, even though Parliament is on vacation.

Before leaving for their Christmas break Thursday, opposition parties passed a rare motion ordering the minority government to release confidential records on enemy prisoners.

The Liberals, NDP and Bloc Quebecois passed the Commons motion 145-143 demanding the release of thousands of uncensored documents on the issue.

In the likely event the Conservatives ignore the order, the opposition could vote to find the government in contempt, setting the stage for a battle over the limits of parliamentary privilege.

The Commons adjourned Thursday until late January.

The issue of Afghanistan prisoner abuse has been at the fore since diplomat Richard Colvin testified at a Commons committee Nov. 18 that all detainees captured by Canadian soldiers were likely tortured after they were transferred to Afghan authorities in 2006 and 2007.

The Conservatives have resisted demands to release uncensored reports on detainees.

The Harper government responded has repeatedly attacked Colvin's credibility. About 95 former ambassadors have signed a letter of protest over Colvin's treatment.

Defence Minister Peter MacKay has said divulging confidential records "could be helpful to the enemy" and would jeopardize Canadian troops.

The opposition motion cites the "undisputed privileges of Parliament under Canada's constitution, including the absolute power to require the government to produce uncensored documents when requested."

Justice officials contend in a government-circulated letter that politicians must respect legislated limits to what can be released under privacy and security laws. But Commons law clerk Robert Walsh says MPs in parliamentary committees have the right to read uncensored documents.

Opposition MPs plan to resume parliamentary hearings on the issue early next month, well before the House reconvenes.