Most voters back a hunting ban but think there are more important issues for politicians to consider, according to a new poll.

According to research published by NOP on Tuesday, 68 per cent of the country want MPs to dedicate more time to education, health and transport.

Parliament will hold a vote on the hunting issue at the end of the month - weeks after the Scottish parliament voted to ban fox hunting North of the border.

However, 67 per cent of those polled said they were in support for a ban on hunting.

Supporters of the so-called "third way" option, under which hunting would continue in regulated way, claimed the poll showed they had managed to impact on public opinion with just a fraction of the funds of the pro and anti lobbies.

"It's great news for us," said Liberal Democrat MP Lembit Opik. "It's not the most difficult issue before Parliament. If people want a better animal welfare settlement while considering civil liberties then this is the best option. I get the sense that a sensible dialogue is now possible."

"There's a good chance that in the Commons the usual suspects will support a ban. The big question is whether the Lords will vote for the middle way group. If you look at the dangerous dogs act and the minimal impact that the hand guns ban has had there is a clear lesson; regulate in haste and regret at leisure," said Opik.

Forty-seven per cent of those polled said they would support the option, with 53 per cent against.

The survey found that 81 per cent of Labour supporters were in favour of a ban - with 56 per cent of Conservatives against the move.