R. Packer 
The Politics of BSE 

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.

Table of Content

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

About the author

SIR RICHARD PACKER initially trained as a scientist. He had a distinguished civil service career being the youngest Permanent Secretary ever appointed to the UK Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, a post he held for seven years until 2000. His earlier career centred on the agricultural and fishing policies of the European Union. He is now a Non-executive Director of Arla, the largest UK dairy company.