Families to be included in e.coli inquiry

Jan 30 2008 by Abby Alford, South Wales Echo

FAMILIES directly affected by the e.coli outbreak will play a major part in the public inquiry which begins in less than two weeks.

They have been named as core participants in the hearings, to be chaired by Professor Hugh Pennington, alongside Bridgend, Caerphilly, Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taf councils, the Food Standards Agency, local health boards and the National Public Health Service for Wales.

The inquiry will begin on February 12, and be held in Cardiff. As it is the first inquiry to be wholly set up under the Inquiries Act 2005, Prof Pennington will have the power to compel witnesses to give evidence. Those who are asked and refuse risk committing a criminal offence.

Details of witnesses are due to be released later this week, but Sharon Mills, mum of e.coli victim Mason Jones who died in October, 2005, after contracting the food poisoning bug, has already revealed she has agreed to give evidence.

Prof Pennington cannot apportion blame or award compensation, but he will be allowed to make a series of recommendations.