The Tory leader has forged ahead of Gordon Brown when people are asked who they trust to deal with the controversial issue, according to an ICM poll for the Sunday Express.

The Conservatives also hold an 8 point lead over Labour when it comes to voting intentions - on 43% compared to 35%.

Immigration has moved to the fore of the political debate over recent weeks, with Mr Cameron condemning the Government for "incompetence" and calling for an "overall limit" on those coming into the country.

He attacked the Prime Minister during the Queen's speech debate for echoing the BNP with his "British jobs for British workers" slogan.

The poll also suggests that the Tories have escaped damage from the row involving Nigel Hastilow, who was forced to quit as a Parliamentary candidate after suggesting that Enoch Powell had been right over immigration.

When people were asked which of the two main party leaders they trusted most to get the issue of immigration "right", 45% named Mr Cameron while just 30% plumped for Mr Brown.

As well as receiving the backing of 82% of Conservative voters, Mr Cameron also gleaned support from 23% of Labour voters. And he was regarded as the more likeable of the pair by a margin of 46% to 33%.

However, there was better news for the Prime Minister in other areas of his personal ratings, where he maintained a lead.

Despite efforts to brand him as a "bottler", half of respondents believed he was a stronger leader, compared to 29% for Mr Cameron. He was regarded as more of a conviction politician by 44% to 30%, more courageous by 39% to 33%, and better at handling the economy by 53% to 28%.