I WAS furious to read Tory Councillor David Pearson (Letters, October 29) complaining about the government's handling of the foot and mouth crisis and blaming them for BSE, not because I am a particular supporter of the Government but because for a Conservative politician to do this smacked of hypocrisy and sheer arrogance.

Yes, the foot and mouth crisis generated problems yet, despite being the worst case in history, the crisis was still over in less than a year and within six months in most parts of the country. It seems much of the confusion over issues like vaccination came about because of disagreements within the industry itself over whether it would be a good thing.

As for BSE, perhaps Coun Pearson has a short memory but I would like to remind him that BSE is in fact a legacy of his beloved Conservative government which tried to suppress its dangers from the public.

TONY BEST, Preston Old Road, Feniscliffe, Blackburn.