A COUNTRYSIDE leader says the Government should be held accountable for spending £4bn during the foot-and-mouth crisis.
Anthony Bosanquet, president of the Country Land and Business Association, told the annual meeting of the association's Yorkshire branch: "About £4bn of taxpayers' money has been spent during the outbreak and the Government should account for it.
"As long as the questioning and evidence is open to public scrutiny, the inquiry will achieve public confidence.
"The rural economy is in danger of collapse. The Government must recognise the seriousness of the situation and the plight of agriculture and other rural businesses."
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