MPs seeking a middle way compromise on hunting legislation have set up a "review committee" which met for the first time on Tuesday.

The all-party group is set to take evidence form pro and anti hunt campaigners in its bid to negotiate a solution to the hunting question.

The committee was set up following the Queen's Speech announcement of a free vote on the issue of hunting with dogs.

The group has backed a regulatory and licensing framework to hunting in contrast to those who are seeking an outright ban or the status quo.

With the Lords and Commons at odds on the issue, the Middle Way Group is seeking to build on the third of all parliamentarians - both MPs and peers who backed their proposals.

Prominent backers in the government are said to include Tony Blair, Jack Straw, Robin Cook and John Reid.

Lib Dem MP and Middle Way joint chairman Lembit Opik said "the decision to organise a review committee was taken after numerous calls of support".

"All the main organisations involved in the hunting debate have been invited to make submissions to the committee on the proposals for statutory hunting with dogs and next week there will be two days of oral evidence gathering from some of these groups," he said.

Fellow chairman, the Tory MP Peter Luff, highlighted widespread support for a hunting compromise.

"We have strong support in parliament, but we also have growing public support, as recent polls have shown. In fact, now only a minority of the British people want a full ban. That is why it is important that we refine our proposals, making it easier for parliament to arrive at a compromise which will command local support", he said.