Subject: Press release from Paul Keetch MP


Embargo : Immediate, Wednesday 5th September 2001 


GOVERNMENT IS FLYING BY THE SEAT OF THEIR PANTS OVER FOOT-AND-MOUTH - 
KEETCH


Paul Keetch, Liberal Democrat MP for Hereford, commenting on the 
confirmation of the 2000th case of foot-and-mouth disease in the UK, 
said: 

"The Government's response to the new foot-and-mouth outbreak in 
Northumberland shows it has no contingency plan in place.

"The Government has backtracked on the reuse of closed disposal sites. 
They are flying by the seat of their pants instead of focusing on a clear 
and responsible strategy to combat foot-and-mouth.

"Recurring cases of foot-and-mouth disease indicate the need for a better 
understanding of why and how the disease has developed and spread. A full 
public enquiry is the only way to establish this."




ENDS