THE first independent inquiry into the foot-and-mouth crisis has hit out at the Government for mismanagement from the outset.

A report of the inquiry set up in Devon calls for a rethink of policy. The inquiry, set up by Devon County Council, was ordered after the Government refused to hold an independent investigation into the crisis.

The inquiry heard from some 50 witnesses and received a few hundred submissions from people from all walks of life, including farmers, traders, and clergy. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food came in for criticism for causing an atmosphere of confusion in the industry. It said officials rode roughshod over local opinion.

The report makes a number of recommendations, including the need to tighten import controls to the highest standards and, if necessary, introduce new legislation; an immediate ban on animal movements should be implemented from day one of any future outbreak; there should be a greater priority on scientific research into vaccine.

Large funeral pyres should not be used; there should be rapid financial assistance from the Government to farmers; and military leadership was recommended for any future outbreak.

Professor Ian Mercer, who headed the Devon panel, criticised DEFRA, formerly MAFF, for not attending the inquiry.

Elwyn Maddy, chairman of the Hereford branch of the National Farmers' Union, said the report was welcomed for bringing matters into the open.

"There has been a lot of mistakes and the Government had failed to recognise that the outbreak had gone out of control more than a month too late.

"The Government were saying that it was under control and the NFU new full well it was not. Many livestock would have been saved had the Government acted much quicker."

Mr Maddy said the NFU wanted an in-depth inquiry but not one that would last years. The learning factor from an inquiry was more important than apportioning blame, he said. "We have to ensure this disease does not occur again and that we are fully prepared."

Peter Ainsworth, Conservative shadow environment, food and rural affairs secretary, said the inquiry made very disturbing reading.

It underlined the importance of holding a full, open and independent public inquiry, since it was probable that the serious shortcomings identified in Devon had been repeated across the country.

A DEFRA spokesman said the Devon report would be looked at in detail. Three investigations into the outbreak were being held on behalf of the Government.