MP Nigel Evans has told Tony Blair to ditch the government's move to ban fox hunting until the foot and mouth crisis is over.

He has written to the Prime Minister to say that it would be wrong to continue with the legislation, currently before Parliament, while the farming industry and the countryside was in the grip of such a crisis.

On Tuesday the Bill, offering three options ranging between a complete ban -- regulation or the status quo -- completed its common status and goes to the House of Lords where it faces fierce opposition.

Ribble Valley Tory MP Mr Evans, a strong supporter of hunting with hounds, believes it would add insult to injury if the Bill proceeds.

He said: "I am writing to Tony Blair asking him to postpone proceedings of the Bill to ban hunting with hounds while the country is in the grip of foot and mouth.

"If this continues, it will just further deepen the crisis in the countryside.

"It would be insensitive and wrong to proceed with a Bill that could have a huge impact on the rural economy while farming and the countryside is in crisis because of foot and mouth.

"Parliament should be spending its time debating the crisis caused by this deadly disease and not pandering to the interests of a few Labour left wingers and class warriors.

"The government and MPs should concentrate their efforts on dealing with foot and mouth and the countryside crisis not trying to ban a popular and ancient pursuit."

"The House of Lords has much better things to do."