MONITORING emissions at the Lafarge cement works should be more stringent to protect public health, Westbury's MP has claimed.

Andrew Murrison raised the issue with Environment Minister Elliott Morley in the House on Thursday.

A public petition sent to the MP calling for the government to open a public inquiry has been rejected by the government.

Dr Murrison said: "I am not in the business of criticising Lafarge but the government and its agencies need to ensure the proper checks and balances are put in place for the safety of public health."

The government has refused a public inquiry on the grounds that the Environment Agency is still waiting for health reports before making a decision on burning recycled liquid fuel at the Westbury plant.

Dr Murrison said: "My view is shared with Devizes MP Michael Ancram that the application is not just a local issue but could have an impact on a wide area.

"The emissions from recycled liquid fuel are likely to have a degree of toxicity."

The Environment Agency has confirmed it cannot make a decision until West Wilts Primary Care Trust has filed a report on the health implications of burning RLF.