CABINET Minister Peter Hain has been warned that Lancashire Police's £7million cash crisis and the outlawing of fox-hunting will make life easier for criminals in the county.

Ribble Valley Tory MP Nigel Evans told Mr Hain: "Since 1997, we have seen the closure of, and reduced hours in, police stations in Lancashire, so I want Home Secretary David Blunkett to tell us how many police officers will be chasing fox-hunters after February 19."

Mr Hain replied: "The situation affecting local police stations or resourcing has nothing to do with fox-hunting, as you well know."