Eighteen
permanent staff have been suspended from the Exeter offices of the
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
It follows an investigation into expenses claims in Devon during the
foot-and-mouth crisis.
The department is also looking into the disappearance of slaughter
equipment and other specialist equipment, used during the crisis.
It includes bolt pistols and steam cleaners, brought in after the
animals were killed.
The first suspensions took place in mid-August but the BBC has been
told that at present the investigation is an internal one and the
police are not yet involved.
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The
investigation began in August
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A Defra spokesman
said: "Eighteen permanent members of staff are suspended from duty
pending an investigation into some claims made during the foot-and-mouth
crisis."
He said no further details about the investigation were available
at this stage.
The Department said it will be some time before the enquiry reaches
any conclusions.
Devon had 173 cases of foot-and-mouth disease - only Cumbria fared
worse. It is still classified as an "at risk" area.
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