§ Lord Marlesfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why the recent letter about foot and mouth disease sent by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to every farmer was undated; on what date the Minister signed it; who drafted the letter; and whether they are aware it contained four grammatical errors. [HL1885]
§ Baroness HaymanMy right honourable friend (the Minister) has written to farmers about the foot and mouth outbreak on two occasions. The first was despatched by our mailing house during the week beginning 5 March 2001 and the second during the week beginning 9 April 2001. Both letters were prepared by officials and approved by my right honourable Friend (the Minister) in the usual way. If any errors in grammar were made it is, of course, a matter of regret since we always strive to ensure high standards both of grammar and of clarity in ministerial correspondence. No other complaints have been received about the issues raised by the noble Lord. This possibly reflects a general recognition of the many other pressing priorities which have faced the agricultural industry and the ministry during the current foot and mouth disease outbreak.