MPs who break the official code of conduct are set to face a new system of fines, the government has announced.

Peter Hain told MPs on Thursday that ministers had decided to accept a raft of proposals to toughen the rules covering standards of behaviour.

In future, if an MP is found guilty of a breach of the rules by the Commissioner for Standards in Public Life, they will have their salary withheld.

"It seems very reasonable that the House should be able to do this in exceptional circumstances," Hain told MPs.

Another key move included the government's decision to remove parliamentary private secretaries from the standards committee in a bid to bolster its independence.

New legislation will not be needed to bring the new rules into effect.

Hain said the government would back most of the recommendations made by the Committee on Standards and Privileges.

He also revealed that the number of complaints against MPs over their behaviour had dropped over the last two years.

Committee chairman Sir George Young explained why fines would be useful. "A financial penalty could be imposed on a member without depriving constituents of their representation here," he said.

"I hope that the House will agree this will be a useful addition to its armoury for strengthening the code.

"The changes that the House are being invited to make should improve public confidence."

Both the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats signalled they will support the changes.

Shadow leader of the Commons Eric Forth said the changes would enhance the reputation of MPs.

"We are right to take the view that perception is as important as the reality," he said.