EU FOOT AND MOUTH INQUIRY (02/07/02)

Commenting on the visit to the UK of the European Inquiry into last year’s foot and mouth epidemic, David Lidington, Shadow Secretary of State for the Department of the Environment Food and Rural Affairs, said, ‘It is deeply regrettable that it has been left to the European Parliament to establish the facts of a domestic disaster.

‘I am confident that the scrutiny of our Conservative MEPs will bring an international dimension to bear, enabling the disaster in Britain to be seen in a broader context as well as answering the questions of our rural communities.’

Conservative County spokesman for Environment, Denis Underhill, said, ‘The foot and mouth disaster left deep and lasting scars within Somerset’s rural communities. Livelihoods were threatened and millions of pounds were knocked off the county’s economy. It is vital for the future of the countryside that all questions are answered and that lessons are learnt.

‘At last, after the Government’s arrogant refusal to conduct an independent public inquiry, an investigation is to take place. This is something positive for Somerset’s farming community and tourism industry.

‘Somerset is beginning to rise again from this disaster. It is a testimony to our hardworking farmers and tourist industry that positive steps are being taken.

‘With this inquiry, we hope relevant conclusions can be drawn and the necessary steps put in place so that the dedication and determination of Somerset’s rural communities will not be tested in this way again. Though if they are, I am sure they will once again, prove their resolve and overcome what has been an awful nightmare.’