Written question asked by Earl Baldwin of Bewdley (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Earl Howe (Conservative) on Tuesday, 26 April 2011.

Fluoridation

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answers by Lord Darzi of Denham on 20 May 2009 (WA 323–4) and by Earl Howe on 23 June 2010 (WA 187–8), whether ““no clear association”” between water fluoridation and cancer as well as hip fractures is a more accurate summation of the evidence than the phrase ““no evidence of a relationship”” which can be found on the website of the National Fluoride Information Centre under ““Is it safe?””.

Answer: Although the department funded the National Fluoride Centre (NFIC) until 31 March 2011, it did not have editorial control of its website. However, we understand that NFIC was referring to McColl v Strathclyde Regional Council. We agree that the phrase ““no clear association”” is a more accurate reflection of the findings of the York report. We also understand that NFIC did not refer to the qualifications expressed in the York report because of the large body of evidence showing that water fluoridation helps people protect their teeth, including the results of the epidemiological surveys of child dental health.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 8592; 727 c48WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Health: Cancer
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
Written questions
House of Lords; Fluoridation
Wednesday, 23 June 2010
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Cancer Health hazards Drinking water Fluoride Fractures National Fluoride Information Centre
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk