THE chief executive of the Countryside Alliance Simon Hart has claimed that spending more Parliamentary time on hunting will provoke an outbreak of despair among the public.

He also claims that the reaction from those living and working in the countryside will be much stronger if more Parliamentary time is devoted to ending this cruel and barbaric pastime.

The League Against Cruel Sports agrees with him about the best use of Parliamentary time. That is why we support the return of the Hunting Bill, which could be passed by the Commons in one day and the Lords in another, and would see, at long last, a ban on hunting.

Efforts to end to the disruption, threats and intimidation suffered by the majority of those who live and work in the countryside and oppose the chasing and killing of animals for entertainment, will of course provoke stronger reaction - namely relief that the activities of a vocal minority of bloodsports enthusiasts have been ended.

It is the opponents of a ban on hunting, such as the Countryside Alliance, who waste time by trying to frustrate the will of the vast majority of the people and their elected representatives - that majority who have long wanted to end such cruel and barbaric bloodsports.

The League Against Cruel Sports, together with Members of Parliament, will continue to push for the return of the Hunting Bill, so that the limited time needed to ensure a ban on hunting with dogs is given.

This issue of cruelty must finally be dealt with, as the majority wishes to see it dealt with, banned once and for all.

DOUGLAS BATCHELOR,

Chief Executive, League Against Cruel Sports.