The prime minister has called for an end to the controversy surrounding the MMR vaccine.

Speaking yesterday, Tony Blair rejected any suggestion that the triple vaccine has any link with incidents of autism.

Forum Response: The Disabilities Trust

A spokesperson for the Disabilities Trust told ePolitix.com: "During this controversy, The Disabilities Trust has been of the opinion that on balance, while the overwhelming scientific view remains that the triple jab is safe, parents should continue to have their children vaccinated, especially as the risks from mumps, measles and rubella are very real. The Trust, as a major provider of services to people with autism, understands just how difficult and distressing the onset of this disorder can be for parents and we would therefore welcome a thorough, comprehensive and independent investigation into the issue of MMR, bowel conditions and autism. It is absolutely vital that uncertainty over this issue is settled once and for all and that parents can be reassured that the vaccine is not a cause in the onset of autism."

Forum Response: National Autistic Society

Stuart Notholt, director of policy & public affairs at the NAS says: "The lack of any appropriate treatment is highlighted in the Autism Manifesto produced by the All Party Parliamentary group on Autism which calls for the research into causes, costs and effective interventions for autism to be prioritised and facilitated by government agencies."

"We are also calling for the physiological symptoms often associated with autism, including gastrointestinal disorders, to be widely recognised and that those with autism should receive medical care and interventions appropriate to their needs."