M J Huskisson (You Say, Monday, October 18) made certain allegations regarding the research visits for the Burns inquiry into hunting with dogs.

The following facts clearly refute Mr Huskisson's claim that members of the Burns Committee "were barred from seeing cub hunting," or autumn hunting as it is properly known.

The Home Secretary Jack Straw announced the Burns inquiry on November 11, 1999.

The committee was appointed in December, 1999. Their research visits began on February 4 with hare coursing and finished on June 7, 2000 with fox shooting.

The committee members were accompanied at all times by the anti-hunting group Deadline 2000 (representing the RSPCA, LACS and IFAW). The Committee submitted their full report in mid-June, 2000.

Because autumn hunting runs from September to late October, it was the Government's own timetable, which precluded Burns from studying hunting at this time of year.

Given the opportunity, the Countryside Alliance would have welcomed Lord Burns' attendance during autumn hunting.

Mr Huskisson quotes Burns as stating, foxhunting "seriously compromises the welfare of the fox."

Mr Huskisson omitted to disclose that Lord Burns concluded the same for fox shooting and snaring.

AUDREY STEEL (MRS),

Chairman,

Worcestershire Countryside Alliance,

Inkberrow.