MP Dr Andrew MurrisonREVELATIONS over false test results at Lafarge's cement works in Westbury have prompted two MPs to reissue calls for a public inquiry into the firm.

In a joint letter to Margaret Beckett, Secretary of State for the environment, west Wiltshire MP Dr Andrew Murrison and Devizes MP Michael Ancram have called for a public inquiry into Lafarge's plans to burn recycled liquid fuels at the Westbury plant, amid growing concerns for the environment.

Shadow health minister Dr Murrison and Mr Ancram, deputy leader of the Conservative party, first called for a public inquiry in July 2004, echoing the fears of campaigners who believe burning RLF could release hazardous compounds into the atmosphere.

Now, following the admission by the company that rogue employees falsified the content of its cement over a two-year period to December 2004, which could lead to cases of 'concrete cancer', the pair have stepped up the pressure.

Both MPs consider the failure of Lafarge to provide a full account of how employees were allowed to falsify reports casts a doubt on its trustworthiness and suitability for conducting trials into the burning of recycled waste in its cement kilns.

Dr Murrison said: "We feel the recent revelations by Lafarge casts into doubt the veracity of other information produced by Lafarge.

"We felt before this incident we should have had a public inquiry and we feel the same now but with extra reasons. There is more of a case."

David Levy, chairman of pressure group The Air That We Breathe, fully backed the call for a public inquiry.

He said: "I think from our meeting with the Environment Agency in Bridgwater on Tuesday it is very clear everyone is shocked by what has happened at Lafarge.

"The failure to really answer the questions, in particular surrounding the rogue employees, is worrying as they kept it all at arms length.

"This should be really brought out into the open in the shape of a public inquiry. There is no doubt about that I fully endorse what Michael Ancram and Andrew Murrison have said."

Lafarge Cement UK managing director Jeff Sautin said: "We completely disagree with the MPs' statement. We are a responsible company that has dealt in an open and professional manner with what is an embarrassing incident.

"But let's keep it in perspective, these were minor technical irregularities that affected a small amount of concrete used in various construction projects in the south west of England.

"We recognise that this regrettable incident will have prompted some people to ask questions about our operation. What we need to reflect on is that we acted promptly as soon as the problem came to light.

"We have put in place additional cement testing and cross checks to ensure that it cannot happen again and are supporting our customers as they identify any concrete in structures built over the last two years that may need closer scrutiny than would be usual."

Anyone with concerns about the concrete they bought can contact the help desk on 0870 6090011.