Warning over ban on hunting

Hunting with dogs could be banned under the bill

Welsh hunt supporters have warned that the control of vermin in the countryside could be put at risk by the Government's plans to ban the activity.

On Monday, Home Secretary Jack Straw is to outline the government's position on hunting with hounds as he publishes the independent Burns Inquiry report into the potential impact a ban would have on rural life in England and Wales.

He is also expected to announce a bill on the issue which will offer MPs a free vote on a range of options from maintaining the status quo to an outright ban.

Hunt supporters say foxes are vermin

But Mark Hinge of the Countryside Alliance said plans to ban both highland and lowland hunts would be a mistake.

He said the Government should be careful of removing a valuable asset from the Welsh countryside.

"There is a very necessary management tool for the countryside and hunting is a part of that," said Mr Hinge.

"At the end of the day, you're still controlling a pest and vermin species.

"The Government, at the minute, seems to be putting vermin before its own people."

Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat MP for Montgomeryshire, Lembit Opik - chairman of the Middle Way Group cross-party body of MPs who are seeking a compromise solution to the foxhunting debate - said the risk was that the Burns Report would be brushed aside while emotion took over.

"We don't know what Lord Burns is proposing and it is quite possible that the emotions that have characterised the pro-ban lobby will be carried right through into legislation," he said.