THE government's Hunting Bill recently went back to the House of Lords for its verdict.

What started as a regulatory solution has been hijacked by backbenchers and converted into a total ban.

The last time this was attempted, the Lords gave it short shrift on the basis that such a law would neither advance animal welfare nor the public interest.

Thus when the Bill goes into committee towards the end of this month we hope the peers will again reject this outcome in favour of a fair and workable regulatory system to which all hunting must adhere.

Not only would this outcome be in line with current public opinion, but it would also command the respect and consent of the rural community.

The organisations listed below represent land use and agricultural interests over the vast majority of the UK. Jointly, we urge the government to honour its commitment to resolve the hunting issue on the basis of evidence and principle rather than personal taste.

This is the only outcome that is likely to be enforceable, seen as fair and therefore likely to stand the test of time.

SIR BEN GILL, President, National Farmers Union; SIMON HART, Chief Executive Designate, Countryside Alliance; KEN BUTLER, Chairman, National Gamekeepers' Organisation; SIR EDWARD GREENWELL, President, Country Land and Business Association; GARETH VAUGHAN, President, Farmers' Union of Wales.