Committee members visited the works

He has arranged for data relating to young victims, which appeared to show a connection between aluminium sulphate solution and severe learning problems, to be examined by the committee members.

The eight-strong Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment, has been asked to advise whether the incident had resulted in delayed or persistent health effects and whether there was any need for additional monitoring and research.

Testimony at the public meeting in Camelford has already conflicted with past reports, which said there was no evidence of increased health problems.

David Coker, of Delabole, told the public meeting: "Nobody in my family has ever suffered from arthritis or rheumatism.

We do have the advantage of many more sources of information than were available after the incident

Professor Frank Woods, committee chair

"But I am the one who has the screws in my knees. My knee joint has completely gone."

And Robin Penn, of Port Isaac, said: "I have had a very bad memory ever since."

The investigating group is being chaired by Professor Frank Woods, of Sheffield University, who said that a draft report into their findings would eventually be presented to enable people to comment.

The group includes homeopath Peter Smith, chairman of the Lowermoor Support Group, which he helped form in 1989, and biologist Doug Cross.

Two earlier inquiries were carried out by a government health advisory panel, which reported in 1989 that there should be no long-term effects from drinking the water, but in 1991 concluded there could be "unforeseen late consequences".

Thorough process

In 1991, after a 17-day trial at Exeter Crown Court, SWWA was fined �10,000, and ordered to pay �25,000 costs, after being convicted of causing a public nuisance by supplying water which contained amounts of the chemical likely to endanger public health or comfort.

Five years ago 148 victims accepted out-of-court damages totalling almost �400,000 in a settlement approved by a High Court judge sitting in Truro.

The settlements ranged from nearly �700 to �10,000.

But victims continued to insist that their suffering had not been recognised, and their case was boosted by a 1999 report in the British Medical Journal which said they had suffered "considerable damage" to their brain function.

Professor Frank Woods told BBC Radio Cornwall: "We do have the advantage of many more sources of information than were available after the incident."