YORK MP Hugh Bayley today risked the wrath of countryside campaigners by revealing he wants to introduce a Private Member's Bill to ban fox hunting.
Mr Bayley said outlawing the pursuit would be high on his list of priorities if he was given the chance to pilot legislation through the Commons.
Prime Minister Tony Blair has given a commitment to resolve the thorny issue - but did not include a Bill in last week's Queen's Speech.
One solution could be for the Government to give backing and Parliamentary time to a Bill introduced by a Labour MP. Mr Bayley raised the prospect after making a public plea for more Parliamentary time to debate Private Members' Bills.
Speaking in the Commons, he said the new working hours at Westminster meant business was finished by early evening on some days. He suggested the time could be used to debate legislation proposed by backbench MPs.
At present, only 20 MPs a year are given the opportunity to introduce a Bill.
Updated: 10:40 Wednesday, December 03, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article