Meacher makes a positive suggestion
Clown prince Michael Meacher, generalissimo of the Government's rural task force, has made a pronouncement. And this time, uncharacteristically, it is a positive contribution to the crisis. His reference to a full public inquiry, brushed aside by No 10 Downing Street, will be received warmly by farmers and the hospitality industry. Only such an inquiry will help us learn the lessons of the terrible tragedy that has unfolded in our countryside.
Less impressive, although almost touchingly naïve, is the faith Mr Meacher places in organic farming to feed the entire nation.
Well, why didn't we think of that before? Let's turn back the clock 50 years, consign modern farm machinery, pesticides, veterinary health advances and hi-tech varieties to the dustbin of politically incorrect history. If British agriculture depended solely on such technology, how long would it be before there was panic buying of muesli on the streets of Islington - let alone sky-high prices for basic foodstuffs that British consumers have long taken for granted?
Stephen Howe, Editor, Farmers Weekly