MMR report gagging denied

There are concerns about an alleged link with autism

The Scottish Executive has denied that it prevented a team investigating the MMR vaccine from making a recommendation on single injections.

The Scotland on Sunday newspaper reported that an expert who was in the team studying the safety of the triple vaccine was told not to consider separate injections for measles, mumps and rubella.

The person asked not to be identified, the newspaper said.

Susan Deacon called for the investigation

The expert and others in the group were allegedly prevented from discussing the matter as it was not in the remit of their committee.

The MMR group member also alleged that the report would not recommend any changes in immunisation policy.

There has been continuing debate over allegations of a link between the triple injection and the onset of autism in some children.

The group, which was set up eight months ago by former Health Minister Susan Deacon, is due to submit its report on Tuesday.

The Scottish Executive refused to comment on the contents of the report but said that people in the project were aware of its remit when it was set up.

A spokesman said that another body, called the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, was responsible for recommending new policies.

'Different group'

He said: "It is quite wrong to speculate on what may or not be in the expert group's report.

"However, it is very important that the media and others recognise what was, and was not, in this group's remit.

"Whoever is making the complaint knew the remit of the group when they started."

"There is a different group that examines policy and this group was not asked to review current immunisation policy but look at the consequences of alternatives to the MMR. "

The spokesman said ministers will respond to the report on Tuesday.