BHA chief demands full crisis inquiry
The British Hospitality Association's chief executive, Bob Cotton, has written to the Government demanding a full inquiry into its handling of the foot-and-mouth crisis.
In the letter, Cotton criticises the opportunities given to foreign journalists to take photographs of pyres of carcasses and people in decontamination suits. He said the images were key factors in deterring overseas visitors to Britain this year.
The damage caused to the industry by the images was immense, Cotton added. "Plans should be put in place by Government to make sure that such a public demonstration of disposal does not occur again," he said.
John Greenway, the shadow tourism minister, responded to Cotton's call. He said: "I am not surprised that tourism representatives have called for an inquiry into the Government's response to the foot-and-mouth crisis. There can be no doubt that the Government has let down the industry disgracefully."
Greenway added that, whereas Wales and Scotland were spending £1.97 and 98p a head respectively to improve marketing after the foot-and-mouth crisis, England was spending just 8p.
