Most parents believe a public inquiry should be held into the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Support for the measure comes from concerns that it could be linked to autism, a new survey has revealed.

An ICM poll of 1004 people, found that nearly two-thirds of parents would like the option of separate vaccines for the three childhood illnesses.

While 79 per cent of parents questioned called for a public inquiry into the combined MMR vaccine, 73 per cent thought it was safe.

A study commissioned by the Department of Health rejected the link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

However Peter Mansfield, a former Lincolnshire GP who has been offering the separate vaccines to patients, is among those who disagree with the department's assessment.

Dr Mansfield has been practising privately in Worcestershire and faces a temporary suspension from the General Medical Council while it investigates his case.

Concerns were raised by the discovery that children suffering with autistic conditions, which impair their ability to communicate with those around them, may have measles in the gut or other abdominal conditions including inflammatory bowel disease.

But the contention is controversial and is categorically rejected by the government, which has previously blamed irresponsible reporting by the media for parents' fears.

However, parents and campaigners fear the incidence of autism, especially among boys, has been soaring in recent years and claim there is a connection with the date of introduction of the new vaccine.

Dr Mansfield, who is being brought before the General Medical Council over the issue, said that parents had the right to choose.

"I think there's a major question to be answered about it and in any case there's absolutely no point in combining three hazards in one.

"That's a bridge too far as far the immune system is concerned," he said.