ON WEDNESDAY, the Home Office will receive a report from an allegedly 'independent' committee of inquiry set up by the Home Secretary to investigate hunting with hounds. We invite readers to protest against this blatant whitewash.

Most animal welfare groups boycotted the inquiry in protest at the clear bias demonstrated both in the composition and the methodology of the inquiry team.

Readers may be interested to learn of the background of four of the five inquiry team members so they can judge their 'independence'

Lord Soulsby, of Swaffham Prior: Produced a report, free of charge, for hunt supporters arguing that deer hunting was not cruel.

Professor John Marsh: Governor of the Royal Agriculture College in Cirencester, which boasts its own beagle hunt.

Dr Victoria Edwards: of the Forestry Commission, which was subject to an unsuccessful campaign by ourselves to end hunting on its behalf.

Professor Michael Winter: Has been hunting as child and adult. He produced pro-hunt report on deer hunting in the West Country, describing it as a 'rural tradition.' This bias has been reflected in the team's methods. They have attended hunts as guests of hunt supporters but not with protesters. They have made no effort to conduct unannounced or undercover visits and so have seen only what hunts want them to see.

Recent press revelations have indicated that members of the Cabinet have been working with hunters to prevent legislation to ban hunting -- backed by three-quarters of the population and for which two-thirds of MPs have voted.

It is plain that this 'inquiry' is an integral part of that process and we call on readers to join our protest against the delay in banning hunting outside the House of Commons next Wednesday, when the inquiry publishes its findings.

NIEL HANSEN, The National Anti-Hunt Campaign, PO Box 66, Stevenage, Herts.