The General Medical Council, the medical profession's supervisory body, is to investigate the allegations surrounding Dr Andrew Wakefield, the doctor at the centre of a furore over research into the safety of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.

The move is in line with calls from John Reid, the health secretary. But yesterday the action was also welcomed by the gastroenterologist himself. "Serious allegations have been made against me in relation to the provision of clinical care for children with autism and bowel disease. It has been proposed that my role in this matter should be investigated by the GMC. I not only welcome this, I insist on it, and I will be making contact with the GMC personally, in the forthcoming week."