David Sumberg MEP
Date:
12\04\2002
Dear
Sir/Madam
As
your readers may be aware the European Parliament has set up a Committee of
Inquiry into how the devastating foot and mouth epidemic was handled.
It
was established in January after a campaign by Tory MEPs in response to Tony
Blair’s refusal to conduct a public inquiry in the UK. It will hold hearings
for a year before publishing a report.
As vast
swathes of the North West fell victim to the disease it is crucial the inquiry
hears from the region’s farmers and businesses.
To
help people make their opinions and experiences heard a web page has been set up
to explain what the inquiry does and how to contact it.
The website address is: http://www.epped.org/Activities/pcurrentissues/fmd/default_en.asp
As
an MEP for the region I strongly urge people affected by foot and mouth to
contact the Committee. The
Government made many mistakes during the crisis and must be held to account for
its failings. Moreover every effort must be made to ensure an outbreak like this
never happens again.
The
Inquiry will be visiting Cumbria in mid
April touring auction markets, farms and burial sites.
Yours
faithfully
David
Sumberg
North
West Conservative MEP