RIVAL MPs Mike Foster and Peter Luff have been pitched into battle again over Government plans to severely restrict hunting.

They have both been selected by their party bosses to sit on the Westminster committee that will decide the future of the controversial Bill.

Tory MP Mr Luff faces the toughest challenge - he supports the "middle way", but will be heavily outnumbered by Labour MPs determined to change the Bill to an outright ban.

Among them is city MP Mr Foster, who tried to ban the pursuit with a Private Member's Bill in the last Parliament.

He will be joined by a number of outspoken hunt critics, including former Sports Minister Tony Banks, Paddy Tipping, Candy Atherton and Eric Martlew.

At present, the legislation would ban hare coursing and stag hunting, with fox hunting only allowed with special licences.

"I was asked to serve on the committee and I was pleased to accept and do my duty as a backbencher," Mr Foster said.

"What is clear is that the Bill, which has been passed to the committee, can clearly be amended," he added.

Mr Luff, after initially welcoming the Bill, has since labelled it "draconian" and a "back door" bid to ban hunting.

He hopes to amend the Bill to take a "more objective" view, rather than one based on "prejudice."

Tory MPs - including Bromsgrove's Julie Kirkbride, West Worcestershire's Sir Michael Spicer and Leominster's Bill Wiggin - failed in an attempt to block the Bill. Independent Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor and Hereford Lib Dem Paul Keetch also voted against.

- National Press reports today claimed the Queen has ordered Prince Charles to give up hunting to avoid looking out of touch with his subjects and damaging the monarchy.