Sir. - I have been wondering for quite some time, why there has been a proliferation of notices in the fields of landowners in North Yorkshire and elsewhere, regarding a march in London on Sept 22, 2002.

Richard Dodd's letter (D&S, Aug 23) does little to clarify the situation and if anybody believes him, they will believe anything.

The objectives of the march have little to do with hunting foxes by whatever means, but has everything to do with causing public disruption on a grand scale in furtherance of a general attack upon a Government, which has performed better than any Conservative Government, at any time in history.

Personally, I am neither for nor against hunting foxes with dogs (sorry, hounds!). It is a very minor issue in its effect upon the overwhelming majority of the population of this country and before Mr Dodd and others of a like mind lead farmers, huntspersons, land owners, etc. into social suicide, I would respectfully remind him and his followers, that we are a democracy.

We elect by democratic processes a Government who, inter-alia, create laws by which we abide. It is this consensus which brought about the demise of bare-knuckle prize fighting, cock fighting, bear baiting, using live hares at greyhound races, sending small boys up chimneys, hanging drawing and quartering hapless thieves and so on, the list is endless.

The issue of hunting foxes is to be determined by a free vote in the House of Commons. Some leading Tories will support the motion seeking to abolish fox hunting. Some leading Labour members are also members of hunts and will no doubt; vote to retain the status quo.

Surely, that is what democracy is all about? If civil disruption is to be caused on September 22, then the police should re-use the power they used, to restrict the movement of striking mine workers during Margaret Thatcher's reign.

ALAN BENN

Burneston Village Stores,

Bedale.