Jerky at low revs

Had this problem for a little while now on my 1.8 '89 clipper.

At low revs eg after changing from 1st to 2nd the car is jurkey.  This can be alleviated a little if the clutch is kept down slightly and it is rev'd more as at high revs it is as smooth as it should be.

The problem can also be notice if the car is stationary.  It seems to be idling ok but when you put your foot on the gas it nearly (and sometimes does) cuts out before the revs go up.

This is also apparent when pulling off… there is often a bit of a lapse before putting your foot down and the revs kicking in when pulling away which sometimes results in the car stalling if the clutch is brought up when you would expect it to rev.

I've changed the plugs and distributor cap although not the leads.  Thinking its maybe a carb problem.  Its not rust in the tank as i'v had that before and changed the filler neck and the symptoms are different.

Anyone got any ideas?

My GL jerks while its warming up in cold weather and also cuts out sometimes at the lights. I've always thought it had something to do with automatic choke or lack of the silver paper tube missing from carb / air filter. Seems to have improved a bit since new fuel filter fitted.