The future of the traditional Maldon hunt hangs in the balance following a Government Bill, due to be introduced before Christmas.

The hunt has been held in the High Street on Boxing Day for nearly 100 years.

But if the bill goes through the House of Commons and House of Lords in time this year, Doug Hill, the joint master of Essex Farmers and Union hunt, will have to get prior approval. If he cannot, it will be illegal to hold the field sport.

The new law, which is due to come in to effect this month, will allow hunting to take place but only where it can be proven that it is the most effective and least cruel method of pest control.

Mr Hill said: "Prime Minister Tony Blair announced he would compromise proposals that would allow the rural pursuit to take place under licence in some places. He also said a ban was likely to be imposed in early 2004.

But Alun Michael, his rural affairs minister, hinted that the view of Labour MPs in the House of Commons last Tuesday was that hunting should be banned.

In his statement Mr Michael said: "Most people want to see cruelty prevented. They also want farmers, gamekeepers and others who have to manage the land to be able to do so. There is no magic wand. There is no quick win."

A spokeswoman for the League Against Cruel Sports said: "They have only just published the details of the Bill. It (fox hunting) is still legal but it (the bill) is a step in the right direction. It has got to go through all the processes in Parliament yet. We are probably looking at 2004. At least, it's a good year away."

Hunt masters would have to apply to an independent national registrar showing there is a need to undertake the activity and those rejected could appeal to an independent tribunal.

The Bill will now go to the House of Lords.

Published Friday, December 13, 2002

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