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Dept of Health

Answer

Mr. Etherington: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will list the research projects funded by his Department since 1990 that have investigated the causes of mottling, opacities and dental fluorosis in children and young adults; [124641] (2) when he last met representatives of the water companies in England and Wales; and what matters were discussed; [124621] (3) what plans he has to restrict or control the ingestation of fluoride, mouth washes and dental floss by (a) adults and (b) children; [124640] (4) what plans he has to amend sections 87 to 91 of the Water Industry Act 1991; and if he will make a statement; [124620] (5) if he will commission research into the incidence of hip fractures in women aged 50 to 64 years in (a) fluoridated and (b) unfluoridated areas in England and Wales. [124622] Yvette Cooper: The Department has commissioned the National Health Service Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, at the University of York, to conduct a systematic review of the evidence on the safety and efficacy of fluoride in drinking water. The review will cover studies on hip fractures, including studies undertaken in the United Kingdom. It is expected to report in July. We will review policy on fluoridation including any need for further research and advice on the use of topical fluoride in the light of the report's conclusions. The Department has not funded any recent research projects into the causes of mottling, opacities and dental fluorosis in children and young adults, but the systematic review is covering these matters. I met with the chief executive of Water UK on 24 May to discuss the progress of the review.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

352 c49-50W; 124641;124621;124640;124620;124622

Session

1999-00

Subjects

Children Women Health hazards Water supply Research Water companies Fluoride Water treatment Dental health Fractures

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk