Mr Christopher Fraser is one of five MPs to support the bill, which would help to solve the problem of bat droppings and urine corroding sculptures and other artefacts in churches.

Bats, great crested newts and their habitats are protected under conservation regulations and the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

Mr Fraser said: "I do not advocate the killing of bats or the wholesale disruption of their roosts.

"Given the decline in numbers of certain species of bats in recent years, due in part to the loss of their natural habitat, it is quite right that they are given the protection of the law."

Current legislation makes it illegal to remove bats from their roosts unless the proper licence is acquired from the Department for Environment, Rural and Food Affairs (Defra).

Mr Fraser said: "Getting a licence from Defra is not a simple or inexpensive undertaking, and most parishes simply cannot afford to go through the process.

"This bill does not aim to allow bats to be disturbed for the sake of it, but is calling for commonsense and a proportionate response to a terrible problem that is afflicting many churches around the country. I fully support it."