§ Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domerasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by Lord Whitty on 27 February (WA 239), whether they have a record of the number of requests received for a public inquiry on the foot and mouth outbreak; and, if so, how many they have received. [HL3109]
§ Lord WhittyWe are aware of 48 local authorities that have requested a public inquiry into foot and mouth disease to date. There have also been requests from other organisations and individuals. However, the issue of a public inquiry is often only one of a number of points raised in any correspondence, which results in these letters being categorised as "miscellaneous". There is, therefore, no central record held of the specific number of cases.
The department has also received two petitions calling for a public inquiry.