A Ban on hunting with dogs in England and Wales would cost the government at least £155 million, according to an analysis commissioned by the Countryside Alliance.

The committee also believes compensation should be paid to anyone who has a contract with a hunt. Farmers, for example, would be entitled to some compensation for having to pay others to keep down foxes and to collect fallen stock - services offered free by hunts.

Government Response: Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs

A spokesman for DEFRA said: "We remain confident that the bill at the stage it is at is compatible with human rights. We don't consider compensation would be liable and if tested in court this position would be upheld."

Forum Response: Countryside Alliance

Simon Hart, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, said: "If the government brings back the banning Bill it will face a fierce battle in the courts and in the country as well as this huge compensation bill. The sensible option would be to leave well alone."

Forum Response: International Fund for Animal Welfare

Phyllis Campbell McRae, director of IFAW UK, told ePolitix:  "The Countryside Alliance is wildly exaggerating the economic cost of a ban on hunting with dogs in an attempt to save the day for this cruel 'sport'. The speculation by the pro-hunt lobby, in an unpublished report based on a single hunt, that a hunting ban would cost England and Wales £155m is dubious.