THE FUTURE of hunting and bloodsports in Wiltshire will be part of a massive debate, as the Government bids to bring in new laws in this parliamentary session.

The new measures, expected to be outlined in Wednesday's Queen's Speech, are expected to spark off a massive row in many rural areas.

Hunt organisers in Wiltshire, which include the Avon Vale and Beaufort Hunts, will oppose any measures to ban them from hunting foxes in the countryside.

New laws could effectively mean huntsmen and landowners who allow their land to be used for hunting could face criminal prosecutions and a fine of up to £5,000.

The new Bill has three suggestions to control hunting, including a complete ban on all types of hunting including stag hunting and hare-coursing, the introduction of a regulatory body to govern the sport or a series of lighter regulations.

Police could also be given new powers to stop vehicles they suspect of being involved in illegal hunts and put down hounds involved in any illegal hunting.

Jo Aldridge, a spokesman for the Beaufort Hunt, said the government should be more concerned about other matters rather than hunting.

She said: "It has been made quite clear in evidence from the Countryside Alliance to the Burns Inquiry that any form of ban would be utterly unacceptable not only to us but also to all the people it represents.

"It is practically unworkable. There are more things the government ought to spend their energies on, including the farming crisis.

"There have been 35 attempts to ban hunting and none have been successful."

The RSPCA and the League Against Cruel Sports have been in consultation with the government regarding the outright ban option, with Wiltshire a key area of consideration due to its long hunting history.

South west spokesman for the RSPCA, Janet Kipling, said it would be an interesting few months.

She said: "Since the government announced that it would introduce an options bill during the next parliamentary session the RSPCA has been liaising with them in reference to the complete ban option. It is a very, very sensitive issue at the moment."