§ Baroness Byfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the three inquiries set up following the foot and mouth outbreak will have the power to command the compulsory attendance of former Ministers and civil servants. [HL881]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Whitty)Given their non-statutory nature, former Ministers and former civil servants may not be compelled by the inquiries to give evidence. However, former Ministers and former civil servants are expected to co-operate fully with the inquiries.