Public respond to disease inquiry

Devon has had 173 confirmed outbreaks

The government has promised to give written answers to every question put forward in an inquiry into the foot-and-mouth crisis in Devon.

More than 350 submissions have been received by the committee who will hold hearings next week.

The Devon investigation is the only local inquiry in which the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has agreed to take part.

Devon County Council launched the investigation in August, saying it would complement the government's three independent inquiries.

The inquiry could help Devon's economy recover

The council wanted to ensure members of the public could contribute their views and experience.

The Chairman of the Inquiry, Professor Ian Mercer, has praised people in Devon for their "magnificent" response.

The Devon Foot and Mouth Inquiry Committee will hold public hearings at County Hall, Exeter, from 8-12 October.

Devon has seen 173 confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth this year.

The inquiry's findings will be used to support funding bids for the county's economic recovery plan.