Volume 1: Findings and Conclusions
Annex 2: Individual criticisms

1365 We have given anxious consideration to whether individuals should be criticised in relation to their response to BSE and vCJD. It is a necessary part of our Terms of Reference - but it is not the most important. We would put the lessons to be learnt from BSE at the forefront. Nevertheless, we recognise that the identification of individual criticisms is an important part of our remit, and we have therefore set out this information in this annex. We draw attention to the fact that the areas where we have criticised individuals are relatively few. We have listed the individual criticisms below so that their nature and limitations can be clearly seen. Cross-references are given to locations in the Report where precise details will be found, along with information needed to set the matter in context.

1366 The Report comments on the response of Government Departments and others, and identifies inadequacies. The mere fact that a response on a particular issue was inadequate, or that some part of the response was regrettable or unfortunate, does not mean that individuals are criticised. Only on those occasions when we consider that somebody should have acted differently, in the light of knowledge at the time, have we criticised that individual. In this volume we point out that these criticisms must be set in context. At this point we would invite the reader to turn to paragraphs 1245-1259 in Chapter 13, for what is said there is highly relevant to the remainder of this annex. If those criticised were misguided, they were nonetheless acting in accordance with what they conceived to be the proper performance of their duties. The overall value of the contributions that they have made should not be lost from view. Those who were most active in addressing the challenges of BSE are those who are most likely to have made mistakes. It is in that context that the Report makes the following criticisms: