NORTH Yorkshire hunt supporters have reacted angrily to plans to ban lowland hunting with dogs.

Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael today promised a six month consultation period to enable MPs and the Lords to reach a compromise.

But if no agreement is reached, the minister pledged to drive the bill through using the Parliament Act.

Under Government plans the pursuit will be banned except where it is shown to be to most humane method of pest control, such as in upland areas like the North York Moors.

But hare coursing, stag hunting and lowland fox hunting will be outlawed.

Frank Houghton Brown, master of the Middleton Hunt, which meets in Ryedale, said the consultation would be a waste of time if a decision had already been taken.

"If they do decide on a ban they can expect up to half a million people from the countryside marching through London," he said.

Updated: 16:40 Thursday, March 21, 2002