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Fluoridation Schemes

Answer

[holding answer 28 March 2006]: If strategic health authorities (SHAs) decide to proceed to explore the benefits of fluoridation, before carrying out a consultation under section 89(1) of the Water Act 2003 they should firstly consult the water undertakers concerned as to whether the arrangements would be operable and efficient. Regulation 3 of the Water Fluoridation (Consultation) Regulations 2005 no. 921 requires SHAs to publish details of the proposal in one or more newspapers circulating in the area and in such other accessible media as the SHA considers appropriate to bring the proposal to the attention of individuals affected and bodies with an interest. SHAs are also required to give notice of the proposal to every local authority affected by the proposal. They are also required to seek the views of their local authority at every step of a consultation on fluoridation.The other bodies with an interest that SHAs are advised to notify include:"patient and public involvement forums.""professional bodies representing doctors, dentists and other health care profession.""voluntary organisations concerned with the health and social care of children, adults and""older people.""the Consumer Council for water and other consumer groups.""companies or businesses operating in the area who use water in the manufacture or processing of products intended for human consumption.""environmental organisations."The response to the consultations will indicate the extent of support for a proposal and SHAs are required to take account of the cogency of the representations and their relevance to health arguments. A SHA cannot base its decision solely on a simple count of the representations for or against the proposal. In making its decision, the SHA should consider publishing a summary of responses, any changes made to the proposal as a result, a summary of the next steps and the reasons for the decision in line with the Cabinet Office code of practice on consultations.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

62070; 444 c1062W

Session

2005-06

Related items

Fluoridation Schemes
Thursday, 4 May 2006
Written questions
House of Commons

Registered interest declared

Yes

Subjects

Drinking water Fluoride

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk