Brown and Rooker not on speaking terms

11 March 1999

Brown and Rooker ‘not on speaking terms’

RELATIONS between Nick Brown, the agriculture minister, and Jeff Rooker, his number two at the ministry, have reached an all-time low, according to the Financial Times.

Mr Rooker, food safety minister, clashed with Mr Brown over his decision to allow the continued sale of unpasteurised milk, in spite of warnings about its potential risks to health.

The paper reports the two only talk when it is necessary and often refuse to share important documents.

• Financial Times 11/03/99 page 20