Updated 19 March 2002, 07.12

 Click here to find out more on hunting

But it still doesn't mean a ban will be made into law. The House of Lords now have their say in a vote on Tuesday.

And the final decision is up to the government.

But they want MPs and the Lords to vote to help them decide what should happen to the controversial tradition of hunting.

Big result

The MPs had three options to choose from:

• Ban it totally
• Continue with tighter controls (the 'middle way')
• Continue unchanged

			Fact File
	What could happen next
		18 March: MPs in Commons vote
		19 March: House of Lords vote
		Before Easter: ministers' plans for hunting
		November: Bill proposed in Queen's Speech
		Autumn 2003: Ban could be in place

And the result was huge, with 386 voting for a ban against 175.

They completely rejected the 'middle way' option which would have allowed hunting but with tight restrictions.

 Click here to get more info on the three options

But it's thought the House of Lords might vote for that option.

Earlier this year, Scotland decided to ban hunting. It will be illegal there by the end of 2002.

But England and Wales may have to wait until 2003 if the government does decide to ban the sport.

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More Info

The options for fox hunting's future

What is the House of Lords?

Guide to fox hunting

Talk animals

What would YOU vote for?

'Foxes should be entitled to live'

'Fox-hunting isn't cruel'

'Animals have feelings too'

Past Stories
	MPs vote on whether to ban fox hunting
	Anti-hunt protesters hound Anne Robinson
	Scotland bans fox hunting
	MPs to vote on fox hunting ban
	Fox hunts begin on busiest day of the year
	Fox hunting returns after ban