IT is not surprising Tom Fell, of the Countryside Alliance (Letters, February 11), objects to hunting being tested against 'utility,' as it would mean bloodsporters having to prove that killing animals is necessary.

The CA's objections simply show that hunting has nothing to do with pest control and everything to do with their pleasure in chasing and killing animals. If the CA's criteria -- social, economic and environmental benefits -- were used instead of 'utility,' then it is hard to say which cruelties wouldn't be permitted. Even some banned many years ago could be justified.

The Rural Affairs Minister's attempt to find a comprise on hunting was always doomed because there is no 'middle way' on hunting with dogs. The 'middle way' option was always just a fallback position for bloodsporters who realised that they would have to make some concessions.

Opinion polls show that the majority of the rural people oppose hunting as strongly as the rest of the country. It's time the Government lived up to its promise to bring this issue to a conclusion.

J YOUNG, League Against Cruel Sports, Lancashire support group, Chorley.