During the course of the FMD crisis, my Department has received and continues to receive information by various means and from a variety of sources. Receipt of such information is not recorded centrally. Some of the sources are known to the Department while others have elected to remain anonymous. All calls and information received are followed up and investigations are continuing in relation to a number of cases. I have no reason to doubt that the bulk of the information received was given in good faith even in cases where the subsequent investigations failed to establish any wrongdoing.
I have previously indicated that I am aware that some individuals who have information which could be of assistance in investigations have not come forward. I would again request such individuals to provide such information. I would also encourage the general public and in particular members of the rural community to make available to my Department, if necessary on a confidential basis, any information of this nature which they feel may be of assistance.