THE Government came under attack from a countryside leader who expressed surprise at its apparent failure to appreciate the severity of the current crisis in farming.

Anthony Bosanquet, the president of the Country Land and Business Association, called for a sense of urgency as farmers were terrified of a resurgence of the disease with the onset of cooler autumn weather. An animal welfare crisis was looming with many animals trapped in upland areas, he said.

Mr Bosanquet, who runs an estate at Dingestow, Monmouth, added: "Far from being in the home straight on foot and mouth, as we were assured in June, the epidemic is clearly a long way from being under control. We need decisive action, not just platitudes."

Rebuilding consumer confidence in British food was top priority, said Mr Bosanquet.

"We must challenge the notion that food production in this country is unimportant. The way our countryside looks depends on the activity of farmers and landowners, and the best way forward is to make farming and other rural business profitable again.

"Getting the rural economy right will provide the funds to get other things right," he said. Mr Bosanquet forecast a grim end to the year for many businesses. "We persuaded the Government to defer rates and other taxes for six months, but the clock is ticking and these bills will soon have to be paid."