The Conservatives won't make a definite pledge to cut taxes until they are sure the policy can be delivered, Michael Howard has said.

Speaking on Sunday, the Tory leader pledged that more detailed policies would be unveiled before the next general election.

And he rejected suggestions that the party was failing to develop distinctive policies.

Howard said Conservative policies would be suited to Britain's needs.

"I hope we will be able to deliver tax cuts as well," he said.

"But I'm not going to make a promise about that until I'm sure I can deliver on it."

With the general election tipped by many to be held in around a year's time, Howard pledged to set out "detailed" policies.

"You will have more detailed policies from the Conservative Party during that period - between now and the general election - than you have had from any Opposition in recent times," he told the BBC.

"And I tell you why we are doing that. We are doing that because I know, unfortunately, that one of the consequences of the disillusionment which people feel with the present government is that they think all politicians are the same.

"They think we wouldn't be able to do any better. That is one of the challenges we have to face.

"That is one of the reasons why we will be producing our policies in detail.

"We will not just be saying to people trust us. This is what we want to do.

"This is how we are going to give you better healthcare, this is how we are going to create circumstances in which your children will have a better education.

"This is in detail how we are going to do it. Look at our plans. If you agree with us vote for us."