HAMPSHIRE MPs have today called for motor giant Ford to break its silence over the cancer controversy at its Southampton plant.

And they have vowed to take on the case of any family who fears the death of their loved one may have been linked to working at the Swaythling Transit van factory.

One MP has even called for a new investigation into any further cases that have come to light.

The pledge has come from both Southampton Itchen Labour MP John Denham and Eastleigh's Liberal Democrat MP Chris Huhne.

They stepped into the row as anger continues to mount among workers' grieving relatives and whose pleas for a face-to-face meeting with the company are met with a wall of silence.

A number relatives of former staff have voiced concerns over how members of their families have died after working at the site.

They have come forward after the Daily Echo last week broke the news of a health investigation into six cases of oesophageal cancer at the factory.

Today, Mr Huhne appealed for any constituents affected by the controversy to contact him.

And, he said, he would take their case to Ford and the Department of Health.

"If there is any risk of carcinogenics being released and if there are any cancer cases beyond the time period of the inquiry, it needs to be investigated," he said.

The MP is joining forces with other MPs to tackle the issue and criticised Ford for its lack of communication.

"It's always sensible for employers to be as open as they can," he said. "It's crucial that Ford publishes the report to ensure public confidence in its findings.

"There are people in my constituency and beyond who are very worried. It would be extremely helpful for Ford to meet with them."

John Denham, Labour MP for Southampton Itchen, agreed.

He said Ford had alerted him to the issue but no constituents had contacted him. If they did, he would be more than willing to take their cases further, he said.

The latest development has been welcomed by some families.

Among them is Nicola Vetere, whose dad Thomas Smirk died from oesophageal cancer a few weeks ago.

"Anything that can help us is wonderful," she said. "This is only coming out because of The Echo.

"Ford has made no attempt to say anything to us or to make it public. The MPs can raise more awareness and work together to get some answers."

A Ford spokesperson stressed that the investigation looked at six specific cases of oesophageal cancer between 1994 and 2005 and found no link between the disease and working in the paint shop.

He said one of the workers - a current Ford employee - had been "fully briefed" about his part in the investigation and the company was willing to talk to the other five families, if they requested a meeting.