Written question asked by David Kidney (Labour) on Thursday, 7 December 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 December 2000. It was answered by John Denham (Labour) on Monday, 18 December 2000 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the York Review of fluoride in drinking water; and if he will make a statement as to the implications for public policy.

Answer: Mr. Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the York Review of fluoride in drinking water; and if he will make a statement as to the implications for public policy. [142239] Mr. Denham: The report of the systematic review of water fluoridation undertaken by the National Health Service Centre for Reviews and Dissemination at the University of York concluded that fluoridating water helps to reduce tooth decay and found no clear evidence of adverse effects on general health. The report did, however, identify the need for more good quality research and we have asked the Medical Research Council to set up a working group to advise on whether further research in the area of water fluoridation and human health is required. We will be discussing the report with representatives of the water industry. When this action is complete we will review the need for legislation.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 142239; 360 c39W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Additives Drinking water Water supply Research Fluoride Water treatment Dental health
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk