The government has published proposals to allow hunting with dogs in counties free from foot and mouth disease.

Details of a hunt, including the number of people involved and the distance that it is likely to cover, will be given to officials by hunt leaders in exchange for a permit, which will be available from December 17. Permits will remain until the outbreak of the disease is over and no new foot and mouth cases were expected.

The Commons speaker, Michael Martin, yesterday rebuked ministers for revealing the guidelines to the media before details were given to MPs.