Will coalition abolish ban on hunting?

Speaking prior to presenting a gift to the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, marking his time in office, Mr Hall said there was "a good chance" the Hunting Act would be repealed.

It is nearly six years since the controversial act was introduced and Mr Hall believes there is a groundswell of supporters who want to see it overturned.

"There are more people hunting within the law than ever before.

"However, we feel that the Hunting Act is a ridiculous piece of legislation and look forward to it being repealed and there's a good chance this could happen in the next year or so," he said.

"There is a lot of activity going on politically within the Government and the Masters of Foxhounds Association, to discuss how repeal could be brought about.

"The general public realise that the law is ineffectual and should be repealed and we think that we could get a majority in Parliament in due course to ensure this happens."

Mr Hall, who was Show Director from 1997 - 2004, said that hounds and the show were "fundamentally joined together."

"For that reason I'm sure there will be a hound show at the Great Yorkshire Show for as long as I can see."

Mr Hall, from Ripon, has been involved in hunting for the past 40 years and is a former master of the West of Yore Hunt.

Hunting with dogs was outlawed via an act of parliament in 2004.

The Hunting Act proved to be something of a political football during the general election campaign. The Tories have pledged to have a free vote in the House of Commons over whether or not the act should be repealed. Current Minister for Police and former shadow Defra minister

Nick Herbert, told the Yorkshire Post at last year's Great Yorkshire Show that the act had been "passed out of spite" and should never have been passed.

The issue caused a great deal of controversy when it came to be debated in Parliament, with both pro and anti-hunting campaigners clashing in Westminster. During its final reading the House of Commons was invaded by protesters, leading to alterations to security measures.