PREMIUM --

PA file photo dated 1/11/03 of riders with the Beaufort Hunt. Rural affairs minister Alun Michael said MPs would be given a free vote on a Bill to ban hunting of foxes with hounds and hare-coursing. A date for the Bill to be debated in the Commons will be announced by Leader of the House Peter Hain Thursday September 9, 2004. The bitter battle over fox hunting was re-ignited on Wednesday night as the Government moved to rush a ban through Parliament - but even if it gets to go-ahead it will not become law for two years. See PA 0430 story POLITICS Hunting. PA Photo.