David Cameron dismissed claims the Tories would put up VAT if they win the General Election - insisting his first Budget would focus on cutting spending.

The Tory leader also indicated the north east of England and Northern Ireland would be among regions targeted for reductions in government expenditure.

He reiterated his view that a hung parliament could be disastrous for UK plc.

The comments came as Mr Cameron followed Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg in subjecting himself to a grilling at the hands of the BBC's arch-interrogator Jeremy Paxman. Gordon Brown is due to take his turn next week.

Although he again stressed it would be "irresponsible" to give guarantees against any tax move, Mr Cameron did say: "We have said in respect to all taxes that we think the Government's doing too much in terms of raising taxes and not enough in terms of cutting spending.

"We have absolutely no plans to raise VAT. Our first budget is all about recognising we need to get spending under control rather than putting up tax."