ACCORDING to Minister Alun Michael MP, "hunting is far from being the important issue for rural people".

If this were the case, then why has the Government launched a six-month consultation period to be followed by a Bill?

Now, six weeks into the allotted time, we have seen no consultation. This is a very confusing state of affairs for a Government obsessed with public image.

Not one single UK land management organisation supports another time-wasting battle over this matter.

They realise there are far more important issues to address in the countryside. Apart from the aftermath of foot-and-mouth and the general crises in farming, we now face a massive rise in violent crime in rural areas.

This latest Government move over the hunting question has absolutely nothing to do with improving life in the countryside or animal welfare.

The only purpose is in appeasing the restless Labour backbenchers. It's very sad to realise our countryside and its way of life are now only regarded as a political football.

J WOOD, Worcester.