ONCE again, the MMR/Autism debate assumes national importance with the disclosure that a measles outbreak in South London is probably due to a low up-take (73 per cent) of the MMR vaccine.

No doubt our resident medical expert. Dr Robert Aston, will attribute these low percentages on, to quote his words, "the unfounded scaremongering" of certain individuals. Does he, and others of his ilk, not realise that it is their inability, as medical experts, to allay the fears of frantic parents that is the real reason.

It beggars belief that, after all the hype and concerns, we are still subjected to the phrase "no proven link" like some worn out record. Is this the best they can offer to all the concerned parents, mentally ripped apart, trying to make a decision for the well-being of their child. Recent polls suggest that up to 85per cent of parents would prefer the single vaccine. Why are their fears ignored? Why are they urged to ignore people, like myself, who are convinced that their child developed autism as a result of the MMR vaccine?

Yes, we know that not all children are pre-disposed to an adverse reaction, but a lot are. There are half a million people on the autistic spectrum in this country; research is urgently needed into this affliction and, until the cause is proven beyond doubt, we should tread very carefully to avoid any situation which may contribute to the development of autism and other disorders. Come on, Dr Aston, take off those blinkers and fight to find the real solution.

David Muschamp

Grantchester Way

Bolton