THE Wiltshire MP leading Tory attempts to stop a ban on hunting with dogs has been defeated in the House of Commons.

James Gray, the Conservative spokesman for rural affairs, had pushed for changes to the hotly disputed Hunting Bill.

With the Bill backed by a majority of MPs, it was impossible for the pro-hunt lobby to avert the ban.

But Mr Gray, MP for North Wiltshire, wanted an extra clause inserted into the plans, making it possible for those who face losing their livelihoods to get compensation.

His call came as the Bill moved through the final stages of the Commons process.

But as pro-hunters protested outside parliament, MPs dismissed the changes. The unamended Bill was pushed through by 317 votes to 145.

Speaking in Wednesday's Commons session, he attacked the legislation designed to force an end to hunting with hounds.

He said the plans were being pushed through improperly.

"I should describe it as the most dreary, despicable, unfair, illiberal and undemocratic parliamentary process for a very long time," he said.

Mr Gray blamed the ban on "eco-warrior vegetarians on the Government Benches" and criticised them for forcing their "worst prejudices on a decent, law-biding society".

The Bill will now go before the House of Lords, which has opposed the hunting ban and consistently blocked it.