D FILLINGHAM is of the opinion that hunting is cruel.

The recent report by the Government instigated Committee of Inquiry into 'Hunting with Dogs', chaired by Lord Burns, did not conclude that hunting involves unnecessary suffering.

The report concluded that hunting is no less humane than other practical alternatives, that it accounts for several thousand jobs, that it has a beneficial influence on conservation and also that it is a vital part of the social and cultural life of many communities.

The Burns Inquiry findings have provided no justification for making hunting a criminal activity. Parliament should legislate to deal with activities which cause harm, not activities which certain people dislike for their own subjective reasons.

John Haigh,

Area Public Relations Officer,

Countryside Alliance,

Front Street,

Northallerton Road, Thirsk.