The Western Mail is taking legal action against the Government over its refusal to hold a full public inquiry into the foot-and-mouth crisis.

The legal challenge will be headed by Richard Lissack QC, a leading barrister and farmer, who has been part of several high-profile inquiries.

He has written to Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett to tell her that if the Government refuses to grant a full public inquiry he will start proceedings for a judicial review.

The letter reads: “From February this year to a peak at the beginning of April there were 2,030 reported, confirmed cases.

“The general public has a legitimate interest in there being a full inquiry into all aspects of foot and mouth.

“The law requires that this legitimate interest be achieved through a thorough and vigorous public examination of the issues. The inquiries that you have ordered – at the least – appear to be neither public or independent.”

A judicial review is where the courts are asked to examine the actions of the Government to ensure that its behaviour conforms to the constitution.

Should the Government continue to refuse to hold a full public inquiry, then a judge will decide whether or not a judicial review should go ahead – and if it does the case could be heard within weeks.

Alastair Milburn, deputy editor of the Western Mail, said: “We have serious reservations about how the Government has handled the inquiry from the outset. After the outbreak 30 years ago, the Government vowed it would never happen again and here we are again.”