VALE of York MP Anne McIntosh has failed to win a guarantee that ten hunts in her constituency would survive plans for severe restrictions on hunting with dogs.

The Government's Bill will ban hunting with dogs except where there is no less cruel method of killing foxes available, such as in some upland areas.

Ms McIntosh attempted to capitalise on this part of the Bill in a Commons exchange with Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael.

She told him: "The Minister is obviously trying to strike a fine balance between maintaining a form of pest control through the Bill and maintaining the level of the quarried species in their natural habitat.

"He will be aware that Vale of York is virtually unique in having about ten different hunts across its terrain, most of which hunt in part on upland farmland.

"Does that mean that he can give me a guarantee today that each of those hunts will continue under his Bill?

A blunt Mr Michael, who has been tasked with attempting to guide the Bill through Parliament, replied: "Of course not".

He said each case would be considered on its merits and against the

criteria laid down by the Bill. Mr Michael said: "We want legislation that is tough but fair, and which deals with the issue of cruelty and recognises the activities that are necessary for eradicating pests and protecting livestock, crops and so on."

The Bill completed its second reading in the Commons last Monday, amid angry protests outside Parliament by pro-hunt protesters.

It will now go to committee stage, where it is expected to be amended by Labour backbenchers to an outright ban.

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

Updated: 12:13 Friday, December 20, 2002