MoD Exercise Cancelled
16 March 2001	Foot and Mouth forces cancellation of major exercise
A Ministry of Defence exercise due to take place in the Inner Sound (between Rona, Raasay and Applecross) and involving Merlin antisubmarine helicopters based in foot and mouth-hit Cornwall, has been called off after consultation with local crofting representatives. Local base manager, Commander Banting, had believed that he had taken adequate steps to ensure protection by disinfection.
The MoD are heavily involved in the local economy and cancellation of this exercise has cost tens of thousands of pounds to hoteliers and bed and breakfast owners, prompting criticism from some of the decision as unjustified by the risk.
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