FOX-HUNTING in the New Forest could be banned within the next few months, politicians have indicated.

Labour MPs have said Prime Minister Tony Blair is going to force through legislation banning the sport using powers which prevent the House of Lords from blocking bills more than three times.

The government had looked close to introducing a compromise ban, where hunters would have been forced to register for a licence.

The Bill was sensationally scrapped by the Lords after Labour backbenchers in the House of Commons amended the Bill to be an outright ban.

But if Mr Blair introduces the legislation again, the Lords will not be able to stop it because of the Parliament act which prevents them from blocking Bills more than three times.

Frankie James, spokesman for the New Forest Animal Protection Group, said: "This is their last chance to prove themselves otherwise it's just a betrayal.

"I don't think people will tolerate being let down again.

"We've been let down several times by this government.

"The reason I want a ban is because I think it's an unnecessary and cruel activity.

"The only reason it happens is because it's always happened. But there are a lot of things which have happened in the past which are now unacceptable."

Mike Squibb, chairman of the New Forest Foxhounds, said: "We've heard rumours about this.

"If something happens then there's not a lot we can do about it.

"We would be quite happy to go down the line of a compromise. We hunt under a licence anyway so that would not make a huge difference to us.

"It would be nice to get it sorted once and for all and for the government to take notice of the reports they commission.

"If common sense prevails we will carry on."