WHILE the Government leaves cricketers to decide how to handle an international flashpoint, it bans parents from choosing how best to protect their children.

Ministers still refuse to sanction single measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations on the health service.

That left parents facing a stark ultimatum: the multiple injection, with fears over a possible link to autism; or nothing, which would leave their child unprotected.

Then a temporary clinic offered York families separate inoculations for a fee. It was so popular that a permanent clinic might soon be established in the city. That proves parents want this option. And we believe it should be available to all on the NHS.

Updated: 12:31 Monday, December 30, 2002