FOX hunting in the Lake District could win a stay of execution if fell packs can prove it is the least cruel method of controlling fox numbers, reports Victoria Clark.

The new Hunting Bill plans to outlaw hare coursing and stag hunting in England and Wales, but with a reprieve for fox hunting if an independent registrar rules it is the most effective and least cruel method of pest control.

But while the licensing proposals could leave the door open for upland fell packs in South Lakeland to continue, anti-hunt protest groups are planning on stepping up their campaign for a total ban.

Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael, who promised in March to carry out six months' consultation before drawing up new legislation to resolve the contentious issue, announced the new bill on Tuesday

Activities which involve cruelty and have no utility, such as hare coursing and stag hunting, would be banned under the legislation.

But for fox hunting - where evidence is less clear cut an independent registrar would determine applications for a licence on a case-by-case basis.

Tom Fell, regional director of the Countryside Alliance, said he was extremely disappointed that hare coursing and stag hunting were to be banned, and disputed the "incontrovertible" evidence that proved they were cruel.

Mr Fell said although there already was a system of self-regulation among hunts, the CA would "accept" the licensing plans so long as the process was not accompanied by over-restrictive regulations and conditions.

Kate Nicholson, of Coniston Foxhounds, said she was extremely wary of a licence system, which she thought was "unworkable" and could see additional conditions imposed without consultation.

She said she was optimistic that the Government had acknowledged hunting was part of a rural way of life, which needed to be maintained, but disappointed that at the same time the Government was pursuing the outlawing of it to appease backbenchers who had no idea of how hunting worked.

Meanwhile, the Campaign to Protect Hunted Animals which represents the League Against Cruel Sports, the International Fund for Animal Welfare and the RSPCA - intends to lobby backbench MPs for amendments to the bill to ensure hunting is banned. Douglas Batchelor, CPHA chairman, and chief executive of the league, said the organisations would not accept any compromise that licensed cruelty.

A DEFRA spokesperson said it was hoped the bill would be debated in the Commons by Christmas and could then be brought to the Lords by the spring, with a view to getting Royal Assent either early summer or next autumn.