PENDLE MP Gordon Prentice has called on the Church of England to ban hunting with hounds on its land.
The Labour backbencher is one of the leaders among government rebels determined to get a total ban on hunting in England and Wales.
He told Church Commissioner Stuart Bell in the Commons that the Church should show "some moral leadership on the issue''.
Mr Bell replied: "In relation to foxhunting on Church land, existing tenancies may not be altered unilaterally but it may be possible to make provisions in new tenancies.
"The enforcement of any ban on foxhunting by the Church Commissioners as landlords would be difficult and could undermine our relationship with tenants.
"The Church Commissioners will support and follow any legislation passed in both Houses of Parliament.''
Mr Prentice was not happy with the answer and said: "We need a total ban on this barbaric practice.
"I think the Church of England should be setting an example by leading the way and banning foxhunting on its land."
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