Written question asked by Earl Baldwin of Bewdley (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Darzi of Denham (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 June 2009.

Fluoridation

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what meaning they attribute to the statement by Lord Warner on 8 March 2005 during the debate on the Water Fluoridation (Consultation) (England) Regulations 2005 that "fluoridation schemes would only be introduced where the local population were in favour" (Official Report, House of Lords, col. 706)

Answer: Under Regulation 5 of the Water Fluoridation (Consultation) (England) Regulations 2005, a strategic health authority considering the outcome of a consultation on water fluoridation is required to take into account both the extent of support for the proposal and the cogency of the arguments advanced. In so doing, the Authority has to be satisfied that the health arguments in favour of proceeding with the proposal outweigh all arguments against proceeding with it before it takes any steps regarding fluoridation arrangements. No clear association has been found between fluoridation and cancer or any other risk to systemic health. Lord Warner's commitment was made in the context of this regulation.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 4017; 711 c143WA
Session: 2008-09
Related items: Debates on delegated legislation
Tuesday, 8 March 2005
Parliamentary proceedings
House of Lords; Fluoridation
Tuesday, 21 July 2009
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Drinking water Public consultation Fluoride
Legislation: Water Fluoridation (Consultation) (England) Regulations 2005
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk