Written question asked by Lord Brady of Altrincham (Conservative) on Thursday, 18 December 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 January 2004. It was answered by Melanie Johnson (Labour) on Monday, 12 January 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what progress his Department has made in its consideration of the indemnification of water supply companies against claims arising from fluoridation; whether his Department will provide equal funding for the presentation of both sides in the event of a local referendum on water fluoridation; what guidance his Department has given to strategic health authorities on evaluating public opinion on fluoridation of the water supply. - Including ref to Water Act 2003.

Answer: Mr. Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what progress his Department has made in its consideration of the indemnification of water supply companies against claims arising from fluoridation; [146011] (2) whether his Department will provide equal funding for the presentation of both sides in the event of a local referendum on water fluoridation; [146012] (3) what guidance his Department has given to strategic health authorities on evaluating public opinion on fluoridation of the water supply. [146013] Miss Melanie Johnson: Section 58 of the Water Act 2003 provides for regulations to be made on both the process which strategic health authorities are to follow in order to consult and ascertain opinion on proposals to fluoridate their water supplies and the indemnities to be made available to water undertakers in respect of any liabilities which they may incur in fluoridating water. We plan to make these regulations, which are subject to affirmative resolution, during 2004. Subject to their approval, we will issue guidance to strategic health authorities on their implementation including standards for consultations which ensure that the views of both proponents and opponents of fluoridation are expressed and taken into account.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 416 c602W;416 c600W; 146011;146012;146013
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Liability Drinking water Public participation Water companies Fluoride Water treatment
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk