Yet another research project has ruled out a link between the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine and the risk of autism.

The new evidence, published this week in the Vaccine Journal, adds more weight to the argument against a link between MMR and the developmental and communication disorder.

In this study, researchers attempted to find out if there was any risk of autism at any time after first MMR jab, given at about 18 months, and whether the MMR booster given at about four, further increased the risk of autism. They found no evidence of a link.

The debate about the safety of the MMR jab, introduced in 1988, has divided medical opinion for several years. There have been concerns that the vaccination may be linked to autism and Crohn's disease - a bowel disorder.

The Government has continued to insist that the jab is safe but many parents have still opted not to have their children vaccinated or have jabs for each disease separately at the few private health clinics in the UK which offer the service.

Medical professionals are now worrying that the decrease rate of innoculated children will lead to a measles epidemic.