MINISTERS have promised six months of consultation before introducing legislation which would ban lowland hunting with dogs in Worcestershire and Herefordshire.

But Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael pledged to drive the Bill through using the Parliament Act if no agreement is reached between MPs and the Lords.

He made the commitment after being questioned in the Commons by Worcester's MP Mike Foster, a long-time supporter of a total ban.

It is the first time the Government has vowed to use the Act to resolve the issue, which has used 130 hours of Parliamentary time since 1997.

"It is only right the will of the democratically elected Commons should prevail," said Mr Foster, who was due to join RSPCA campaigners in Worcester High Street today to call for a ban.

As the Evening News exclusively revealed yesterday, the new legislation will focus on the "cruelty" of hunting with dogs.

The pursuit will be banned except where it is shown to be the most effective and humane method of pest control available.

Hare coursing, stag hunting and lowland fox hunting - the traditional pursuit in Worcestershire - will be outlawed.

Mr Michael hoped a compromise could be reached but admitted the two Houses of Parliament were "diametrically opposed" and said the will of MPs had to come first.

"I promise to bring to the House of Commons a Bill that will deal with this issue effectively once and for all and make good law."

Mr Michael was pressed on whether the Parliament Act would be used if the Commons changed the Government's new Bill so that all hunting with dogs was banned.

The Minister said the Government's pledge on forcing through the Bill would still hold.

Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff, a champion of the "middle way", insisted Mr Michael's announcement would lead to "a ban on hunting within two years".

"It's a total and outright ban, but it is being presented in such a way as to deflect the power of the pro-hunt lobby," he said.