Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 October 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 October 2006. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Monday, 6 November 2006 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Fluoridation

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures she has put in place to ensure accuracy in the information provided by the National Fluoride Information Service.

Answer: The National Fluoride Information Centre (NFIC) is an academically independent unit that provides objective information on all aspects of fluorides and fluoridation. It does not lobby in favour of or against water fluoridation. Based at the University of Manchester, all information it provides is derived from scientific literature and has been reviewed by independent scientific experts before being placed on its website. We are therefore confident of the accuracy of the information provided.The centre also has an independent advisory board that reviews the NFIC’s activity. This board includes officers from the Department.

Secondary information