The British House of Lords last night put itself on a collision course with the Commons when it voted against a ban on hunting with hounds and for self-regulation.
Peers rejected MPs' preferred option of an outright ban by an overwhelming 249 majority. Voting was 317 to 68. They then voted by a majority of 141 for self-regulation of the traditional country sport.
The fate of the Bill, introduced by the Home Secretary Mr Jack Straw, will now depend on the timing of the general election. If the election, due to be held on May 3rd, is delayed, it seems unlikely that the two Houses will agree a compromise.