MP supports 'middle

way' on hunting

FOLLOWING the Prime Minister's announcement in the Commons on Wednesday regarding the parliamentary vote on whether to ban hunting with dogs, Commons leader Robin Cook yesterday informed MPs that the vote will take place on March 18.

MPs will be asked to choose between leaving the situation as it stands, introducing a complete ban, or allowing hunting to continue, but only under licence.

South East Cornwall's MP, Colin Breed said: 'The Government has decided to place before the House again, the question of a ban on hunting with dogs. As yet we do not know in what form this will be, but it is assumed that it will be the same as last time. I shall support what has become known as the 'middle way'. This will permit hunting to continue, but on a licensed basis with conditions. I have always made it clear that whilst I would not hunt myself, I would not support any bill to criminate those who wish to do so.'

Gray will fight again

for local Tories

CORNISH Fishing Industry campaigner Ashley Gray, 37, has been confirmed as Parliamentary Spokesman for South East Cornwall Conservative Association, at a meeting in Liskeard on Monday night.

It is now official that Mr Gray, who cut Lib Dem Colin Breed MP's majority last June, will fight for the seat for a second time at the next general election.

Association Chairman John Milne Home, in welcoming the decision, said that Ashley Gray, from his home on the Tamar, has led many successful campaigns on behalf of farmers, fishermen and small businesses. 'His energy and vigour have been a welcome addition to our Conservative team in Cornwall' he said.

Blues in cup final

LISKEARD Athletic are through to the final of this season's Cornwall Senior cup after coming from behind to beat Penryn 2-1 on Wednesday night.

Goals from Jeff Babb and Jamie Ahearne saw Liskeard become the first team to reach this year's Easter Monday final. See Sport pages.

Pop Idol is a hit

Staff in Woolworths, Liskeard reported an excellent response to Pop Idol winner Will Young's debut single 'Evergreen/Anything is Possible'. They sold over 30 copies within the first half hour and had sold out completely by Wednesday lunchtime. Service team leader, Tracey Copplestone said: 'I didn't expect it to do quite so well. We had people queuing before we opened the doors on Monday morning, just to buy Will's single.'

Civic Service

The annual Caradon District Council Civic Service is to be held this Sunday, March 3, at Saltash Wesley Methodist Church at 10.30am.

Among those taking part with Caradon Chairman Steve Tait and his fellow councillors will be the local member of parliament; the deputy lieutenant of Cornwall; Cornwall County Council's chairman; the lord mayor of Plymouth; chairmen, mayors and representatives of other Cornish and Devon districts; the mayors of Liskeard, Looe, Saltash and Torpoint and the portreeve of Callington.

District councillors, family and friends will also attend the service conducted by the Rev Ian Souter.