LABOUR MPs Hugh Bayley and John Grogan have turned up the heat ahead of next week's vote on controversial proposals to ban hunting with dogs.

York MP Mr Bayley and his Selby colleague have signed a House of Commons motion which slams the "compromise" Middle Way option - which would allow hunting to continue under strict rules.

They have joined a further 172 MPs in stating nothing short of an outright ban on the pursuit will suffice.

Mr Bayley and Mr Grogan dismiss the Middle Way - the one hope of avoiding a clash between anti and pro-hunt supporters - as "licensed cruelty". Their comments are sure to fan the flames of controversy in North Yorkshire ahead of Monday's "indicative" Commons vote on the issue. Mr Bayley said: "There is no middle way on hunting. You're either for it or against it and I don't see killing animals as a sport. I accept that farmers have to control pests - but you don't have to chase them across the countryside and tear them apart with dogs. I shall be voting for an outright ban."

MPs are expected to vote overwhelmingly in favour of a ban. The pressure will then be on the Government to introduce fresh legislation for it to be outlawed.

Ryedale Conservative MP John Greenway has already slammed the decision to hold a vote while the countryside is still recovering from last year's foot and mouth epidemic. He said: "Why are they thinking about doing this at a time when the rural economy and way of life has taken such a pounding? The worst thing is this is not something the Government cares about - it is just a show of strength."

Updated: 10:25 Saturday, March 16, 2002