BAN hunting with dogs now -- that is the message from Brian Iddon as the House of Commons was set for a new debate on the controversial sport.

The Bolton South-east MP is unhappy at a clause in the Hunting Bill meaning it would not be implemented for two years to allow people in the industry to scale down their activities.

But Dr Iddon said: "I would like to see this Bill come into force sooner rather than later and would prefer not to have the extra hunting season allowed by the new clause.

"The hunt organisers have known for some time that this Labour Government were determined to introduce a ban on hunting with dogs and therefore they could have scaled down their operations before now." Labour Members of Parliament will be allowed a free vote in the House of Commons when the bill is debated next week.

Dr Iddon said he backed a total ban.

"The issue will not go away until we take proper measures to outlaw this cruel 'sport'," he said.

"I am aware of the strength of feeling within my constituency as I have continued to receive a large number of letters and postcards on this issue."