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 if she will consider a further study to update the data gained from the York study on fluoridation.

Answer: We do not consider that a further study is necessary to update the data gained from the York study on fluoridation. In the light of the findings of the York report, the Department commissioned the Medical Research Council (MRC) to consider what further research was required to improve knowledge about fluoridation and health.In 2002, the MRC published the report of its working group and since then a number of its research recommendations either have been completed or are currently being undertaken. In addition, the National Fluoridation Information Centre, in association with the Oral Health Unit for England, is developing scientific protocols to monitor all aspects of water fluoridation through research following the York review guidelines.

Secondary information