Sir, - On Monday MPs debated the Hunting Bill and a major issue seems to be the perceived cruelty to particular animals.

Attitudes to cruelty towards animals are very subjective.

It is deemed to be cruel to hunt or course hares, but not rabbits. How many MPs can tell the difference between a hare and a rabbit? Most dogs will chase either, with equal enthusiasm.

Trying to shoot, trap or poison a fox is alright, in spite of the probability that the fox will suffer a slow and painful death, but hunting with hounds is thought to be more cruel, although the hunted fox will either escape or be killed instantly.

Much loved pet animals can be kept for their whole lives in tiny cages. It would be totally unacceptable to keep Al-Qu'eda terrorists in comparable conditions for even a few months.

The welfare of hounds and people who derive employment from hunting is totally ignored. What will happen to them if hunting becomes illegal? Surely they have "rights" too?

Blair baiting by the media is enjoyed by many people, although even immature Blairs will suffer as a result of this.

Whatever the form of any new legislation on hunting, many people will be very angry about the result, and the welfare of animals will not be enhanced.

MILES GARNETT

The Old Rectory,

South Otterington,

Northallerton.

A sad business

Sir, - Some of your readers will surely write to the Prime Minister objecting to Fylingdales Ballistic Missile Early Warning Radar System being made formally available for the US Star Wars project.

The whole sad business seems to be there to justify increasing the US defence budget by $48bn. Just consider how that amount of money could be used in creating a better understanding between the Western World and the under-developed Asian and Middle Eastern countries where the missile threat is supposed to be coming from.

Also consider the increased threat to other countries by missiles disabled by Star Wars. It is suggested "that a nuclear missile fired at the US from North Korea could explode over Alaska or Canada, while one fired from Iraq might strike Britain or mainland Europe." There's a pretty thought.

In spite of the September 11 tragedy, the USA have not been able to locate a direct threat to itself from Iraq or anyone else. That is why support for the UN resolution 1441 is so necessary

The United Nations Association is deeply fearful that the road being sought by the Cheney Circle could cause illegal action to be taken against Iraq; that could cause untold repercussions throughout and beyond the Middle East. It could encourage the further resurgence of Islamic militancy (both within and beyond Al Qu'eda) and could lead the world towards a living hell.

The United Nations seems to be a far more sensible conduit than the bellicosity of the Washington Hawks.

RICHARD STAINSBY

Chairman, Cleveland Branch United Nations Association

Linden Road,

Great Ayton.

Zeppelin hunt

Sir, - I am doing some research into the flight of the German airship Graf Zeppelin over the North of England on August 19, 1931, and am trying to find any photographs taken of this event.

Check through your parents' and grandparents' photographic albums, you may have what I need! Please contact me on 01977 683043.

ANDREW STOKELL

Church Hill,

Sherburn-in-Elmet,

Leeds