A report which said there were no links between a microchip manufacturer in Greenock and cancer rates among its employees has been criticised by campaigners and experts.

The Health and Safety Executive study came after a 2001 report found higher levels of four different cancers among workers.

The new study found that the number of employees with cancer was within the range expected.

However, Jim McCourt, founder of the Phase Two campaign group, said: “There are a couple of findings that are quite baffling. It was expected there would be 37.6 cases of breast cancer but they found 46 amongst the workforce, for example.”

Professor Andrew Watterson of Stirling University described the report as odd.

He said “It lacks comparative data on lung and stomach cancer cases in women in the plant with their colleagues [in the community], and males with lung cancer with their colleagues. If comparison is not possible, how can they be sure there is no increased risk?”

A spokesman for National Semiconductor said: “The study confirms the safety of the working environment at NSUK.”