THE MMR jab is a safe and effective vaccination, Health Secretary Alan Milburn said during a tough quizzing on a visit to one of his constituency schools.

During the 45-minute session at Eastbourne School, the Darlington MP also gave his backing "in principle" to the euro and outlined the cash problems of the NHS.

Mr Milburn was questioned by the pupils as part of a Put it to Your MP scheme, in which Eastbourne is the only Darlington school to take part.

Mr Milburn told the pupils research was still going on into the MMR vaccine and its potential links to autism, and said the public would be made aware of the results.

But he assured youngsters there was little evidence to substantiate the links.

"There is a huge amount of research taking place over many years, both in this country and elsewhere. Really, there has only ever been one study that has shown a potential link. Even that study is not very highly regarded by scientists," he said.

"This is a vaccination programme that has a huge track record. It's proven to be very effective. The best advice we've got is that it's safe and effective, and the best way of protecting children against dangerous diseases."

Pupils from all years of the school also questioned Mr Milburn about other issues, such as bullying.