CAMPAIGNERS have given the Government an ultimatum over the Richard Neale affair.

Member of the group, which represents victims of the struck-off surgeon, arepressing for a full public inquiry into the former Northallerton gynaecologist.

They are unhappy that the Government plans to hold an NHS inquiry behind closed doors.

Despite a meeting with officials at the Department of Health two weeks ago, they still have not had a written response to their request.

Now solicitors representing the patients' group have written to the department, warning that unless they get a response within the next seven days they will seek a judicial review in the High Court.

Their spokesman, Graham Maloney, said legal action would be aimed at challenging the Government's view that an inquiry was the right way to handle the Neale affair.

"We don't think a behind-closed-doors internal inquiry chaired by a senior NHS doctor is independent enough.

"What we need is a full public inquiry," the North Yorkshire businessman said.

A spokesman for the Department of Health said: "We have contacted the group by telephone and, hopefully, there will be a response within the next few days.