The Politics of BSE [Hardcover]

In this frank account of events, Sir Richard Packer, former Permanent Secretary at MAFF, details the facts of the BSE outbreak, how government responded to the crisis and how the press contributed to widespread public panic. He reveals how the decisions taken to protect public health were a combination of informed guesswork and sheer good fortune.List of Figures and Tables List of Abbreviations Chronology Introduction The Cattle and Ancillary Industries Science and Research Slaughterhouses Chronicle of Events until 20 March 1996 The Establishment and Conduct of the BSE Inquiry The Findings of the BSE Inquiry Consideration of the Inquiry's Findings Events after 20 March 1996 (A) The Period of Conservative Government until 1 May 1997 Events after 20 March 1996 (B) The Labour Government from 1 May 1997 Onwards Conclusions Index

'Richard Packer's book is the definitive account of the BSE crisis. It shows how myth and deliberate distortion have disguised the truth. This is an important book, not only for those interested in BSE but for anyone who wants to know how the truth about public events can get lost.' - Lord Waldegrave of North Hill, formerly Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and formerly Secretary of State for Health

'The Politics of BSE, [is] a rip-roaring 254-pager by Sir Richard Packer, permanent secretary at the mininstry of agriculture... it's a gem: a tad short on romance, maybe, but one helluva plot and such compelling characters. There's even a PM called Tony Blair, hampered by a congenital difficulty in distinguishing words from action. Here at the Diary, we say marvel at that mandarin.' - Jon Henley, The Guardian

' a must read for all who have been affected by the BSE trauma.' - David Richardson, Farmers Weekly

'...his book will remain a prime source for understaning BSE and, more generally, for the study of policy-making under pressure.' - Political Quarterly

'PaclóÆ