From Mike Follows
The report of Lord Phillips into the events leading to the tragedy of BSE
suggests that an unwillingness to “alarm the public” exacerbated the vCJD
problem. In your editorial
(4 November, p 3), you implore scientists to make
their voices heard when they have the expertise on important issues that
confront us. Yes, perhaps too many scientists are willing to tell their
paymasters what they want to hear. But is this any surprise when history teaches
us that it is safer and more comfortable to be part of the herd than to question
the consensus? There is no point in scientists voicing concerns if the “powers
that be” refuse to hear them.
Will the establishment become more receptive to the concerns raised by
renegade scientists following the lessons highlighted by the Phillips report?
While I hope for the best, I fear the worst. Sadly, I do not believe that the
desire to protect vested interests will diminish as a result of this
investigation.
Willenhall, West Midlands
