Ananova:

More than three-quarters of those questioned in a new survey believe there should be a full public inquiry into the combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.

According to the poll to be published tomorrow some 76% believe the facts about the controversial MMR jab, which has been blamed for a rise in autism and bowel disease in children, should be made public.

The ICM poll for the News of the World found that the number of parents who believe the jab is safe has fallen since the same question was asked last year.

Asked if they believed MMR was safe, 55% said they did - 11% down since August 2001 - 28% said they were unsure while 17% believed it was dangerous.

Parents' groups advocating the use of single, separate vaccines welcomed the results.

Debbie Ryding, of Desumo Information & Healthcare Ltd, said: "I think most of the parents that come to us would be behind that.

"I certainly think it needs looking at. We have been asking as parents for long enough about these issues."

Mother-of-six Mrs Ryding, from Ledbury, Herefordshire, set up the organisation with Natalie Bowden, who has three children and lives in Swansea, to raise awareness about choices available in vaccination.

They operate a clinic in Worcester using the services of a Lincolnshire GP, Dr Peter Mansfield, and are setting up centres in Bournemouth and Swansea.

Mrs Ryding said the numbers of parents with concerns about MMR and other childhood vaccinations were growing.

Story filed: 18:34 Saturday 6th July 2002

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