Foot and mouth inquiry live

The Northumberland County Council Foot and Mouth inquiry has now been completed.

From Monday 14 to Friday 18 January, the inquiry heard submissions from a variety of different witnesses, from local businesses to farmers, land owners and school teachers.

What can be learned? You can still have your say on any aspect of the foot-and-mouth crisis in our online debate. How can the countryside recover? And has the inquiry provided any answers for the future?

News updates

Timetable

Monday

Disease inquiry 'blunted by absences' Army and government officials refuse to appear at a public inquiry into the foot-and-mouth outbreak in Northumberland.

from BBC News>>

Tuesday

'Shambolic' control of foot-and-mouth A Northumberland public inquiry hears how officials were "overwhelmed" by the task of dealing with foot-and-mouth.

from BBC News >>

Wednesday

Farm disease 'blighted county' The foot-and-mouth inquiry has heard how visitors to Northumberland last year may never return.

from BBC News>>

Thursday

Farmers unsure of new roles Farming's place in the future economy of Northumberland comes under the spotlight in the county's foot-and-mouth public inquiry.

from BBC News>>

Inquiry timetable

		Morning		Afternoon
Mon		Sequence, scope and impact of outbreak		Impact on rural business and the environment. Crisis management
Tues		How information was distributed		Slaughter and disposal
Weds		Closure of footpaths, farmers compensation and support		Steps that might be taken to avoid a future outbreak.
Thur		Recovery Plan: Policy framework		Recovery Plan: Support to farmers
Fri		Recovery Plan: tourism rural business and community

The panel was led by Professor Michael Dower, former Director General of the Countryside Commission.

More information about the inquiry and the people taking part is available at the Northumberland County Council website