THE Conservatives' parliamentary candidate for Worcester has offered to act as umpire in a debate featuring his Labour rival, Mike Foster.

Richard Adams said he was "delighted" that Worcester MP Mr Foster was prepared to meet Tim Pinney, chairman of the Worcestershire Countryside Alliance, to talk about the Government's Bill to outlaw hunting with dogs.

"Might I offer my services to chair such a debate?" asked Mr Adams.

"Not only am I eager to hear the arguments discussed in open forum, but as I am the Conservative prospective Parliamentary candidate for Worcester, I can perhaps give the authenticity to the debate that Mr Foster seeks."

Mr Adams said he hoped the debate would then "put the hunting issue to bed" so he and Mr Foster could concentrate on other matters such as crime, health and transport.

But the MP ruled out the idea, accusing Mr Adams of "jumping on any bandwagon going".

"Mr Adams has said he doesn't want hunting to be an issue at the next General Election," he said.

"So why does he want to take part in this debate?"

Mr Foster said he intended to focus his efforts on issues affecting his constituents prior to the election.

It was time pro-hunting activists realised the Bill going through Parliament was the Government's initiative and no longer had anything to do with him, the MP added.