THE ancient sport of hare hunting, favoured by leading public schools and the military, is to be banned after a vote yesterday by MPs.

Examining the Hunting Bill in its committee stage in the Commons, they accepted an amendment from Michael Foster, Labour MP for Worcester, that hare hunting, like hare coursing and stag hunting, should be banned. Alun Michael, the Rural Affairs Minister, abstained, but Peter Bradley, his parliamentary private secretary, and Nick Ainger, the government whip, voted for the ban.

Hunting supporters were angry that Mr Michael had not argued against the inclusion of hare hunting, when in his original Bill he believed that it could be subject to registration.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: “Members of the commitee were on a free vote and . . . . decided that hare hunting would not be able to pass the tests of cruelty and utility.”

The move will affect 30,000 people and 70 registered beagle and harrier packs, including those at Eton, Radley and Ampleforth.

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