I WAS more than a little uneasy when I read (LET, December 11) that Pendle MP Gordon Prentice had held a vote among primary school children on the issue of hunting with dogs.

While I am well aware of Mr Prentice's views on the subject, a primary school is not the place, nor little children the appropriate audience, for such an issue to be discussed.

Not only do I think it extremely remiss of Mr Prentice to use children for political ends, but I find it strange that the head teacher of the school concerned -- Barrowford Primary School -- should have allowed this "ballot" to go ahead.

Can we now expect Mr Prentice to invite the views of toddlers on our disintegrating health service, or babes in arms to tackle the vexed question of the increase in drug-related offences perhaps? Of course not.

That would be stupid and irresponsible -- a bit like inviting primary school kiddies to comment on hunting with dogs!

And while on the subject of Lord Burns' report, which the article also quoted, it also states: 'There is a lack of scientific evidence about the welfare implications of hunting... The welfare implications of hunting need to be compared with those which arise from other methods such as shooting and snaring... There is a lack of firm scientific evidence about the effect on the welfare of a fox of being closely pursued, caught and killed above ground by hounds."

Mr Prentice has firmly-held views on the issue of hunting and, as we still live in a free country -- just -- he has every right to express them, just as those of us who disagree with him have a similar right.

But what he does not have to do is use little children as tools for his own ends. It is quite beyond the pale and bordering on the contemptible.

The only issue those little tots should have been discussing days before Christmas is exactly what they all hope to find among their presents on December 25. Children grow up quickly enough these days; let them enjoy their innocence while they can.

SHIRLEY WHITELEY (Mrs), Burnley (full address received).