THE FOX-HUNTING lobby is looking bushy-tailed as Labour MP Michael Foster's anti-hunt Private Member's Bill seems set to expire in a crowded parliamentary timetable.

Yet, given space, it would no doubt cruise through the Commons before hitting some obstacles in the Lords.

But why won't Tony Blair squeeze it in?

Has he fallen into the trap of listening to the vociferous minority that the pro-hunt lobby is? It would an unwise move if he has.

For although, understandably, the government has much more important legislation planned than this anti-hunting Bill, it lives with a pledge to be a "people's government." Indeed, Mr Blair is even setting up voter panels so policy can be in tune with public opinion.

And, in tune with it, a ban on fox-hunting certainly is.

Mr Blair risks unpopularity if this Bill collapses because of the government's ambivalent attitude.

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