MPs and peers remain on course for a constitutional clash over attempts to ban fox hunting.

As the Hunting Bill continued its passage through the House of Lords on Thursday, peers rejected a compromise bid to ban stag hunting while introducing licensed foxhunting.

They upper house has already overturned plans, approved by the Commons, to ban hunting with hounds from July 2006.

The Lords also voted by 175 to 145 to prevent any restrictions taking effect until December 2007, to allow time for research from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons on the pain caused by different methods of killing foxes.

Following consideration in the second chamber next Monday, the controversial legislation returns to the Commons the following day.

MPs are likely to reinstate a total ban on fox hunting, before the Bill "ping pongs" back to the Lords on Wednesday for debate on the amendments.

Amid concern from MPs about how and whether the Parliament Act will be used to force the law onto the statute book without the approval of peers, deputy Commons leader Phil Woolas said there was enough time to debate the Bill before the current session ends next Thursday.

"The procedure for invoking the Parliament Act is a matter for the House," he said.

"I have announced the time that is available. I am confident that enough time will be available."

Labour MPs, who have repeatedly given their backing to a total ban only to see the move overturned by the Lords, will be given a free vote next week.