Defra staff suspended

An inquiry is underway at Defra's offices in Devon

Eighteen permanent staff have been suspended from the Exeter offices of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

It follows an investigation into expenses claims in Devon during the foot and mouth crisis.

The department is also looking into the disappearance of slaughter equipment and specialist equipment, used during the crisis.

A Defra spokesman today said: "Eighteen permanent members of staff are suspended from duty pending an investigation into some claims made during the foot-and-mouth crisis."

He said no further details about the investigation were available at this stage.

Devon had 173 cases of foot-and-mouth disease - only Cumbria fared worse.

It is still classified as an "at risk" area.