MPs to push for outright hunting ban

Tuesday, 16 November 2004 12:00 AM

MPs will push for an outright ban on hunting with dogs when the Hunting Bill returns to the House of Commons on Tuesday.

The amended version of the bill, which would allow hunting to continue under licence, received its third reading in the House of Lords last night.

These amendments will almost certainly be rejected by the Commons and the bill is likely to return to the Lords in its original format.

But moves are afoot to urge Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs to vote for a compromise option, under which some fox hunting would remain.

The Prime Minister is among those in favour of a compromise. Downing Street said he still wanted to ban stag hunts and hare coursing but was convinced of the merits of licensed fox hunts.

The so-called "middle-way" option, advocated by rural affairs minister, Alun Michael, has yet to win favour with MPs.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "The Prime Minister believes it is right to indicate the degree of his support for compromise."

An outright ban on hunting was carried by a majority of 190 MPs when the Commons last voted on it in September.

Conservative and Liberal Democrat peers last night warned of a "tragedy" that would burst the country asunder if a complete ban were to avail.

Peers debated removing a clause that would allow an 18-month delay before the ban could take effect.

The "kamikaze" option would take effect within three months, making it an issue during the general election campaign and hitting those in the countryside unable to find alternative means of work.

The Government could use the Parliament Act to force the bill onto the statue books.

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