A NORTH Yorkshire anti-hunt campaigner has spoken of her fears after it was revealed that a ban on fox hunting could be put on the back burner.

The news came in a briefing when Robin Cook, Leader of the Commons, stressed that no decision had been taken on what should happen on the controversial issue.

But he said MPs' time in the current session of Parliament could be dominated by a raft of legislation to tackle terrorism.

That has angered anti-hunting campaigners disappointed at the continuing delay on a Bill first mooted in Labour's election campaign of 1997.

Mr Cook added: "I think it is one of the strengths of the Commons that it is capable of adjusting to changes in external circumstances. It is right that the Bills from September 11 should get priority.

"We will obviously keep under review the present programme, as announced, to make sure we can carry through as much of that as we can, but renewed pressures may well have consequences."

The Government, in the Queen's Speech, had originally promised another free vote on the issue of fox hunting.

Later, Mr Cook issued a statement in which he insisted that he had made it "perfectly clear" that no decision had been taken on the legislative programme.

"To remove all doubt, I repeat that no decision has been taken to drop legislation on fox hunting or any other matter," he added.

Anti-hunt supporters have been hoping for a Bill similar to the one the House of Lords rejected before the General Election.

That would raise the chances of the Government being able to invoke the Parliament Act if the Lords had overridden the wishes of the Commons again.

But North Yorkshire anti-hunt campaigner Annabel Holt, of Stearsby, near Easingwold, said: "I am concerned at this continuing delay in the legislative process.

"I was taught to go hunting as a child. Foxes were perceived as vermin. I now see them as genetic marvels. I don't see why we can't share the earth with these animals.

"I would rather live with the living than in a lifeless world."

Ryedale Tory MP John Greenway said: "This issue is not being talked about much at the moment and I take the point that other issues are more important for the Government. That makes sense.

"However, I believe that other factors are at work than just the terrorist strikes. I do not believe a complete ban is the solution anyway."

Updated: 11:08 Saturday, October 27, 2001