WEST Worcestershire MP Sir Michael Spicer has called on the government to make up its mind over vaccination, after talks with local farmers.

Sir Michael met farmers representatives last Saturday (March 31) at Pershore, although a lot of communication was carried out over the phone and fax as farmers sought to minimise movement in the countryside.

Among the issues raised was the case for vaccinating stock against foot and mouth disease and Sir Michael said it was imperative the government took advice from industry experts and made a decision as soon as possible.

"We really must have a decision on this, it's causing a lot of uncertainty," said Sir Michael, who added that he would be trying to tackle the Government on the issue this week.

He said that he would also be raising the question of the movement of healthy animals for slaughter, currently only allowed on welfare grounds, and on issues of tax raised with him.

He described farmers as "very worried about their futures" and criticised the government's handling of the crisis.

Among the farmers in contact with Sir Michael was Peter Surman, of Ryalls Court Farm, Upton-upon-Severn.

He said this week: "I'm critical to the point of despair of the way the crisis has been handled by the MAFF hierarchy but full of admiration for the people on the ground.

"They are working extremely long hours, doing a difficult job in terrible circumstances and having to think and learn on their feet."

Further criticism of MAFF has also come from Valerie Bown, of Northfield Farm, Hanley Castle, frustrated by the lack of information about new outbreaks.

"To begin with, we were watching Ceefax to find out where new cases were breaking out but now they are only giving out general information once a day," she said.

"Hauliers need to have precise information so that they don't go into contaminated areas and risk spreading the infection."