Mr Howard told the BBC the former military leader could stand trial in his country instead of facing extradition to Spain.

Free General Pinochet, says Michael Howard

The Tory MP's comments come after former prime minister Baroness Thatcher called for Senator Pinochet to be released, appealing to Home Secretary Jack Straw to show compassion to an elderly man.

Law Lords have ruled the former general is not immune from prosecution and should stay in the UK to face extradition moves by Spain on charges of murder and torture.

The decision now rests with Mr Straw, who came under repeated pressure from MPs in the Commons to make a statement on any decision about the dictator's future.

Mr Howard, who was home secretary under Mrs Thatcher, said: "We think this has gone on far too long. We think he should be sent back to Chile.

"My understanding is that he faces outstanding charges in Chile and if the Chilean authorities think it's the right thing to do he should stand trial on them."

He said a settlement had been reached in Chile after a very painful period and it was in no-one's interests to re-open old wounds.

Mr Straw had the power to decide immediately that it was not appropriate to hold General Pinochet any longer - short-circuiting the legal process, said Mr Howard.

The issue was raised during questions on forthcoming Commons business by MPs, watchful of Speaker Betty Boothroyd's ruling it would be sub judice to make a statement or comment in the House.

Shadow Commons Leader Sir George Young asked Leader of the House Margaret Beckett: "If Mr Straw exercises his discretion and it is no longer sub judice, can you confirm that he will then make an oral statement to the House?

"Can he find a way of explaining how he plans to use his discretion - discretion that the House has given to him - on this particular subject?"

The law Lords ruled the former dictator does not have immunity

Mrs Beckett said she would take the issue on board.

Labour's Dennis Skinner said he and other Labour backbenchers "would regard it as gut-wrenching if General Pinochet was allowed to go back to Chile".

Tory Robert Syms called for a statement from Foreign Secretary Robin Cook on the safety of travelling to Chile as 2,000 British Scouts and Guides would be visiting the country for the World Scout Jamboree next month.

He said: "Many parents are rather anxious that they should get advice from the Foreign Office, particularly in regard to their children, who are going to a country where things are a little temperamental and volatile at the moment."

Mrs Beckett replied: "I can help you immediately. All you have to do is to come to the House tomorrow and you will be able to ask the foreign secretary yourself."