http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/uk/scotland/newsid_1245000/1245333.stm

 

Tuesday, 27 March, 2001, 15:30 GMT 16:30 UK

Row erupts over vaccine report

The report is due to be published on Wednesday

The author of a Scottish parliamentary report into the controversial measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) has alleged ministers tried to undermine her findings.

Conservative health spokeswoman Mary Scanlon MSP said she was aware that her MMR report, which is due to be published on Wednesday, had caused divisions within the Scottish Parliament.

Mrs Scanlon said she had received information from colleagues that ministers had been actively trying to undermine the report.

But her allegations received a strong rebuttal from the Scottish Executive, which said any suggestion of political interference was merely "a smokescreen".

The report has concentrated on a possible link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

Mary Scanlon: "There are goings on in the background"

The Tory spokeswoman singled out Health Minister Susan Deacon for particular criticism, alleging that the minister did not allow the committee to get on with its work.

Mrs Scanlon told the Scottish Daily Mail newspaper: "They are trying to rubbish the report and it is coming from the executive."

The report has won the full backing of the cross-party Health and Community Care Committee and is expected to call for the executive to look into the possibility of introducing single vaccines.

Mrs Scanlon insisted it took a "calm, very responsible and measured" approach to a complex issue but alleged ministers were undermining her work.

Author's wish

The MSP said: "There are goings on in the background and I am hearing from colleagues that ministers are trying to rubbish my report.

"I don't know how they could undermine my report and make insidious criticism about it if they haven't seen it yet."

Mrs Scanlon singled out Ms Deacon for criticism saying: "I wish that the health minister would let the committee get on with doing its work and publishing the report."

However, a spokesman for the executive denied the minister had made any comment regarding the report.

He added: "On an issue as important as this, they (the committee) should have taken account of all the facts and concerns.

"We feel this has not been the case and as such have no confidence in the committee. Any suggestion of political interference is a smokescreen."

Last month, Scotland's chief medical officer Dr Mac Armstrong admitted many parents "remained unconvinced" about whether giving their child the vaccine was safe.

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