Written question asked by Earl Baldwin of Bewdley (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Darzi of Denham (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 December 2008.

Fluoridation

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Lord Darzi of Denham on 17 November (WA 165), whether they have received legal advice indicating that fluoridation schemes do not form part of the health services which the Secretary of State has a duty to promote; and if so, whether that legal advice took account of (a) the health claims for water fluoridation contained in the Written Answer, (b) the decision-making role of Strategic Health Authorities under the Water Act 2003, and (c) the promotion of fluoridation by the Secretary of State for Health in an announcement on 5 February 2008.

Answer: I can confirm that these matters were taken into account. Fluoridation of water supplies is an activity or service undertaken by a water undertaker under the Water Industry Act 1991. It has been the policy of successive Governments that decisions on fluoridation should be taken locally. However, the role undertaken by strategic health authorities does not serve to bring fluoridation within the ambit of the duty in Section 1 of the National Health Service Act.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 58; 706 c41WA
Session: 2008-09
Related items: Deposited Paper DEP2009-0472
Monday, 23 February 2009
Deposited papers
House of Lords; Fluoridation
Wednesday, 21 January 2009
Written questions
House of Lords; Fluoridation
Wednesday, 21 January 2009
Written questions
House of Lords; Fluoridation
Monday, 17 November 2008
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Drinking water Fluoride
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk