§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which(a) individuals were consulted by and (b) companies were represented on the Foot and Mouth Science Group; and if she will make a statement. [64549]
§ Ms Hewitt[holding answer 26 June 2002]: Individuals on the FMD Science Group, and the Group itself, consulted at various points throughout the outbreak with a number of bodies, including farmers at regional meetings, the NFU, Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, British Cattle Veterinary Association, British Veterinary Association, Sheep and Pigs Veterinary Associations and representatives of the food industry. All these meetings and consultations were reported back to the full Group.
The Group was comprised of individuals from a range of disciplines and included Government research scientists, university academics, veterinary practitioners and representatives of Government Departments and agencies. The composition of the Group evolved over time to ensure that relevant expertise was brought in, eg practising vets joined at a later stage to provide a more direct link with events on the ground.