Peers are ready to take up the chase yet again

The row over fox hunting is set to reignite today when peers in Parliament begin the process of trying to unpick the Government's bill to ban hunting with hounds.

More than 40 peers are set to debate the Hunting Bill, making clear they want a return of the compromise licensing option originally rejected by the Commons.

Although the Lords are today expected to back the Bill, which outlines a complete ban with an 18-month delay on implementation, they will overhaul the legislation when it comes back for debate later this month.

In what is being seen as a test of Tony Blair's will against Labour backbenchers, they will demand that the Government supports the `middle way' option of licensed hunts, something the Prime Minister has personally called for. Tory leader in the Lords Lord Strathclyde has already urged for a "sensible compromise" on the issue - something backed by Berwick MP Alan Beith.

The Liberal Democrat MP said trying to "ram" legislation through Parliament would only lead to "endless difficulties" on all sides, especially when there was already a compromise deal on the table.

Labour backbenchers hope the Parliament Act will be used to avoid another confrontation with peers, but Mr Beith said: "The purpose of the Parliament Act is to enable the two houses to reach some agreement when there is no other avenue left. Here, though, there is scope for agreement."

The Countryside Alliance yesterday announced demonstration at Parliament every Wednesday and Thursday until Christmas.