FIRST MINISTER Alex Salmond's proposal for an independence referendum has suffered a blow after a new opinion poll shows a majority of Scots would vote against his plan. The snapshot, which was based on the exact question floated in the SNP Executive s consultation on independence, found 50% of respondents would decline to support separation.

The findings appear to support the SNP leader's belief that delaying a referendum is his party s best chance of winning an independence vote.

The poll findings follow the publication of the Executive's plan for a national conversation on the constitution, which backs the idea of a referendum in 2010. Salmond's preferred option is to ask Scots whether they agree or disagree that his administration should negotiate a settlement with the government of the United Kingdom so that Scotland becomes an independent state .

A poll conducted by TNS System Three, which focused on the question floated by Salmond, found 50% of those polled disagreeing with the proposition. A minority 35% agreed that a settlement should be negotiated, while 15% said they did not know.

On gender, while 42% of men agreed with the SNP's question, only 30% of women followed suit. In terms of age, 52% of 18- to 24-year-olds agreed that Salmond should negotiate an independence settlement with Westminster. By contrast, opposition to Salmond s question was greatest in the 65-plus bracket, with 59% of respondents saying they would not want any negotiation.

The findings, which were taken from a sample of nearly 1000 people, also revealed that 63% of the professional AB class did not agree with the SNP question.

When broken down by region, the survey found support for the proposition to be highest in the south of Scotland and the Highlands, but lowest in Glasgow and the west.

The poll is a setback for Salmond as he prepares to unveil his programme for Scotland on Wednesday, but it does appear to vindicate his tactic to delay a referendum on independence until support grows for separation.

Chris Eynon, the managing director of TNS System Three, said: "This first test of public opinion using the ballot wording proposed by the SNP shows just why they have opted to play the waiting game."

An SNP spokesperson said: "This is very encouraging, showing that support for independence is strong and growing. It is the highest level of polling support for independence in six months, reflecting the impressive ratings of the SNP in government.

"It is a very substantial base, which will build further as the National Conversation moves forward."

A spokesman for Scottish Labour said: "The result of the last election was clear; most Scots do not support independence.

"Even this new poll, which is based on Alex Salmond's own question, shows the same result."