Thank you for covering the NFU Farmers Protest about ban of beef on the bone, 20 November. The farmers appreciate your support. The protest was a huge success as it drew attention to the stupidity of this iniquitous ban and showed the huge support that the farmers have to end it. The public obviously agree with our Chief Medical Officer that British beef cooked on the bone is safe.

A terrific number of the public came and ate all the beef on the bone for sale and of course many farmers. I was delighted that so many eminent people were supporting us. I know that this is covered in your paper. I am writing to say thank you to everyone for coming and for their supportive comments. Also, to thank Trago for risking prosecution and providing an ideal venue.

Can I remind your readers that BSE could have come from a soil born microbe. Research shows that a common soil born germ called acinetobacter could be responsible for the BSE and the (nv)CJD. Also, a fast growing body of respected opinion that some oral and injectable vaccines and medicines manufactured from or by using, bovine tissues were infected with BSE. These vaccines and medicines were for human and for animal use. This could also be the cause for the BSE as well as the (nv)CJD. Beef could be totally exonerated from any blame for causing (nv)CJD.

The most alarming disclosure from the BSE enquiry is that the Government officials were warned in 1988 that the risk of infection from medicines was greater than from the oral route (i.e. eating beef). However, because the Minister of Health Mr Ken Clarke feared an adverse public reaction to vaccination, beef was to take the blame.

Bill Clarke

Trewithen Farm Foods

Greymare Farm

Lostwithiel PL22 OLW