IN 1985, I wrote to Jack Straw pleading a ban on fox hunting and hare coursing.

He replied: "Fox hunting and hare coursing are revolting. Those who take part must be sick. These so-called sports should be banned by law."

What was the point of me writing to my MP, if the House of Lords overrides public opinion and has hunting under licence, which allows hunts to carry on as before?

This government has betrayed the people who elected it. A licence is nothing less than a green light to torture and murder defenceless animals for kicks.

MRS SHEILA BRENNAN, Bombay Street, Blackburn.