Written question asked by Win Griffiths (Labour) on Thursday, 23 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 30 November 2000. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Thursday, 30 November 2000 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make a statement on the levels of tooth decay among (a) children and (b) adults in areas where fluoride (i) is and (ii) is not present in drinking water.

Answer: Mr. Win Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will introduce legislation to allow local communities to take decisions on the fluoridation of drinking water in their areas. [140564] Mr. Hutton: Section 89 of the Water Industries Act empowers health authorities to consult on the fluoridation of their water supplies but Section 87 gives the water undertaker discretion over whether or not to accept a request to add fluoride. We will be discussing the research report of the systematic review of water fluoridation undertaken by the National Health Service Centre for Reviews and Dissemination at the University of York with representatives of the water industry. The Medical Research Council is establishing a working group to advise on whether further research in the area of water fluoridation and human health is required. We will review the need for any changes in the legislation when this action is complete.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 357 c897W; 140564
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Health authorities Drinking water Research Fluoride Water treatment
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk