An MP has backed proposals to set up a watchdog to oversee fox-hunting if the ban is lifted.

Tory leader David Cameron has promised to allow politicians a free vote on hunting, if his party wins the next election.

Yesterday, shadow environment secretary Nick Herbert said hunting bodies had already begun working on plans to set up a regulatory authority.

Tory Harborough MP Edward Garnier is chairman of the Repeal Committee – a lobbying group set up to overturn the Hunting Act.

He said: "A repeal requires a bit of give on the part of the hunting community so we are proposing to set up the hunting regulatory authority, which would ensure good behaviour and recognition of the rules.

"It would look at matters as trivial as parking on grass verges to as serious as unnecessary cruelty to animals.

"They would be dealt with at a summary or more serious level – the hunt itself could be fined or even disbanded."

Mr Garnier said matters could be reported to the authority and dealt with by a panel headed by a retired judge.

Mr Herbert said: "I don't think most people are thinking we would simply go back to the previous situation.

"The hunting bodies have been working on a proposal to set up some kind of regulatory authority. I think the public will want to be sure all country sports are conducted properly, minimising animal suffering."