HC Deb 23 July 1953 vol 518 cc575-6
24. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Health whether he will arrange for further investigations in the fluoridation of piped water supplies in selected areas in Britain, in view of the report of the United Kingdom Mission to the United States of America and Canada.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

My right hon. Friend is carefully studying the Mission's report. It is still too early to make a statement.

Mr. Blenkinsop

In view of the fact that this matter has already been considered for a long time, and there have been a number of investigations in this country, may we hope for an earlier decision?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

The hon. Member will appreciate that this is a far-reaching and important decision to arrive at. The report was not published until 9th July and that evidence must be fully considered before my right hon. Friend makes a statement.

Mr. Wade

Would the hon. Lady agree that in most cases the users of a private water supply have no other source of supply, and that if they object to chlorination their only alternative is to do without? Would she agree that a heavy responsibility rests on the authority supplying the water to be satisfied that this process is not in any way harmful and that the objections are not justified?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

That is one of the points which must be taken into account.