The Government does not consider overturning the controversial ban on foxhunting a priority as a parliamentary vote is "unlikely" this year, the Environment Secretary has told the Western Morning News.

Caroline Spelman says bringing to life a supermarket overseer to protect farmers is among greater concerns for ministers.

The stance is likely to cause dismay with residents in rural communities who voted Conservative based on promises to hold a free vote on repeal "early" after polling day.

In the WMN Saturday Interview, Ms Spelman insisted there would be a review of the controversial Hunting Act if the parliamentary time-table permits.

She said: "It's in our business plan, it's exactly what is stated in the coalition agreement. That there will be a motion on a free vote on the Hunting Act at some point in this Parliament.

"But I can't say exactly when. We have an awful lot of things we need to get through as a matter of priority, connected with tackling the deficit and clearing up the mess we have inherited from Labour. It's got to take its place in the queue of things we need to achieve."

Asked whether the vote would take place this year, she said: "I just don't know. I think it's unlikely. I need to get my grocery adjudicator Bill through first, and I'm asking the leader of the House for a slot. I had to make some choices about what I urgently need legislative time for."

David Cameron, who is said to have taken part in hunts on Exmoor, has condemned the 2005 ban on hunting with dogs as a "mistake".

But after the Tory party joined forces with the Liberal Democrats, the commitment was watered down.

The coalition agreement states that MPs will get the opportunity to vote on a parliamentary motion on holding a vote on the ban – meaning the vote would only take place if a majority of MPs supported it.

A free vote would likely swallow a huge amount of parliamentary time and energy, while Government insiders have suggested such a sensitive issue would revive negative stereotypes around the Conservatives.

Elsewhere in the interview, Ms Spelman promised a "science-based" policy when ministers next month announce whether they intend to sanction a cull of sick badgers to prevent tuberculosis in cattle. Action to reduce water bills in the South West is also imminent, she said.

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