RIBBLE Valley MP Nigel Evans has warned the government not to destroy the farming industry and demanded a full public inquiry into the foot-and-mouth epidemic.
Responding to Lord Haskins report on rural recovery following the virus outbreak, Mr Evans welcomed the calls for more short term help for farming and tourism recommended in the document.
But Mr Evans, a member of the Conservative Shadow Cabinet, told Goosnargh Farmers' Club in Chipping he wanted action not words.
Mr Evans said: "Many farmers throughout my constituency have been badly affected by foot and mouth. The last confirmed case in the country was September 30 and although I have concerns over a possible outbreak, further assistance is needed for our farming communities urgently."
He added: "Environment farming and rural affairs secretary Margaret Beckett must not let this industry be destroyed by stealth."
"We need a full public inquiry into the outbreak and we are desperate there should be a future for farming otherwise the devastating effect will see the disappearance of our farmlands which will be felt for generations and throughout many industries."
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