There has been much debate about the handling of the foot-and-mouth crisis and whether or not the Government has got to grips with the problem as speedily and efficiently as it should have done. The prevarication over the date of the local and general elections has been indicative of the indecision which has racked the whole campaign to eradicate this feared and fast-spreading disease.

The furore over the decision to transport 2,000 carcasses a week to Bradford for disposal suggests that there is still a worrying lack of clear forward planning.

It is little short of appalling that Bradford Council was not consulted at the highest level until after the decision had been made to use Waddington's rendering plant, and that it was then given less than 24 hours' notice.

Even though this is a private contract between MAFF and Waddington's, there are clearly safety concerns about the likely route the material will take through farming country and through the heart of a major conurbation.

It is absolutely right that the Council would want to be convinced that the most stringent precautions possible are being taken to ensure that there is no risk, particularly to the local farming community and their livestock.

Naturally Bradford wants to play its part in helping to eradicate foot-and-mouth disease and there is no real suggestion that the process will be dangerous to human health in any way.

However, the lack of forward planning and communication does not inspire confidence in the Ministry's handling of the whole situation.