Proposals to force the Government to hold a public inquiry into the foot and mouth outbreak, which has devastated rural communities, have met a mixed response from affected county farmers and businesses.

The Trading Standards Institute - the body of trading standards officers - is demanding the Government holds an urgent full inquiry into the devastating economic, social and environmental consequences of the disease.

But some of those affected in Oxfordshire said they feel the current crisis should be fully brought under control before past wrongs are identified.

Farmer Clive Hawes, who saw his flock of 600 sheep and lambs slaughtered after the disease was confirmed at Grange Farm, Little Chesterton, said he believed the first priority was stopping the spread of the current outbreak.