Mr Wiggin would not be able to vote in any referendum

If they win the next general election, the Tories are promising a "preferendum", offering options about the assembly's future.

But Mr Wiggin would have no vote in any ballot as he does not represent a Welsh constituency and lives outside Wales.

Welsh Secretary Peter Hain says Mr Wiggin's views confirms the Tories are "anti-devolution".

Since a report by Lord Ivor Richard published almost a year ago advocated more law-making powers should be handed to the assembly, political parties have been considering their own positions.

What we have to do is make sure the assembly works for the good of Wales Nick Bourne

The Conservatives opted for a "preferendum" offering voters a choice of more powers, no change or scrapping the assembly.

The party has had no Welsh representation at Westminster since 1997 but has 11 Assembly Members at Cardiff Bay.

Party leader Michael Howard this week told BBC Wales that the vote would be held "within six months or so" if the Tories win the general election which is expected in the spring.

But Mr Wiggin, the MP for Leominster and the party's spokesman on Wales at Westminster, has told BBC Wales' Manifesto programme, that he had already decided he would like to do away with the institution.

He cited problems with the Welsh NHS, the portfolio which has faced heavy criticism both from Westminster MPs and AMs, as one of the main reasons.

Mr Wiggin would not have a vote in a referendum as he does not live in Wales and represents an English constituency.

Responding, Welsh Secretary Peter Hain said: "This confirms what we've always known about the Conservatives - that they're anti-devolution".

There are Welsh AMs at Cardiff Bay, but no Welsh MPs at Westminster

He said: "A Conservative government would want to go back to running Wales from London, John Redwood style, bringing back all the policies that brought devastation and misery to Wales during their 18 years in power."

Tory leader in the assembly, Nick Bourne, said there were different views on the assembly across the Conservative Party.

He added: "I've known Bill's views for some time - I'm not upset about it.

"We have a policy in the party saying this should be settled by a referendum.

"I don't agree with Bill's view...what we have to do is make sure the assembly works for the good of Wales."

Meanwhile, a BBC survey of Conservative AMs showed a majority at least thinking of backing the extension of assembly powers.