The investigation
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14. My officers have examined Defra’s papers (including the responses to the consultation on the ban and the submissions to Ministers) and considered the Permanent Secretary’s comments on the complaint, as well as the various reports produced in relation to the FMD outbreak, including those produced by the Anderson Inquiry (see paragraph 26) and the National Audit Office. They have also met on a number of occasions with ASU representatives, and received evidence and representations from them. In addition, my officers have interviewed Defra staff, including the SVS veterinary officer who was responsible for inspecting the farm where FMD is generally believed to have originated, James Dring, and the LA inspector who visited the farm with Mr Dring. I have taken account of comments received from ASU and Defra on a draft of this report in coming to my decision. I have not included in this report all the information considered during the course of the investigation, but I am satisfied that nothing of significance to the complaint and my findings has been omitted.
