The intense battle over hunting with dogs will again be considered by MPs and peers during the forthcoming session.

The government announced that rural affairs minister Alun Michael will introduce legislation that will "enable parliament to reach a conclusion" on hunting with dogs in England and Wales.

Forum Response: Countryside Alliance

John Jackson, chairman of the Countryside Alliance, said: "The Alliance looks forward to seeing the actual shape of the forthcoming legislation, which today's announcement leaves unclear. We expect the Government to keep its word and make proposals which are fair and based on principle and evidence.

"Any departure from this would result in resistance not only by rural people but by all who value social justice."

Forum Response: RSPCA

John Rolls, RSPCA director of communications, said: "The case against hunting with dogs is overwhelming and the issue must be finalised. Any compromise that allowed some hunting to continue would prolong the controversy and would fail to do the job the public wants done."The only outcome that will be acceptable to the CPHA, MPs and the public as a whole is a complete ban on all forms of hunting with dogs. If the Bill does not achieve this then it will be amended so that it will."