TIME FOR TRUE STORY OF LOWERMOOR TO BE TOLD - TYLER

Paul Tyler, Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall, commenting on the expected announcement of an investigation into the Lowermoor water poisoning incident, said:

"After a thirteen year battle, the forgotten people of North Cornwall are to receive official recognition.

"The real scandal is that at the time of the Lowermoor incident, no

detailed, early information on the extent and the effects of the

contamination was collected. Compensation for victims was inadequate and a serious public health risk remained shrouded in official mystery. The initial accident was serious enough; the cover-up afterwards was a disgrace. 

"Hang-ups over water privatisation led to complacency on the part of the Thatcher and Major governments, and indeed of my MP predecessor. Meanwhile, unexplained illnesses ranging from flu symptoms to serious memory loss were the inheritance of my constituents.

"Michael Meacher has taken a personal interest in this incident and had

the courage to change his mind over the need for an investigation.

"Now the Minister has read the submissions of my constituents, the time has come for the true story of Lowermoor to be told."

ENDS