HC Deb 11 March 1954 vol 524 cc2408-9
10 Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Health what progress has been made in arranging with selected local authorities for experiments in the fluoridation of water supplies.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Miss Patricia Hornsby-Smith)

Exploratory discussions are proceeding.

Mr. Dodds

In view of the fact that the Minister of Health said on 3rd December that all the recommendations had been accepted, cannot the hon. Lady say when these discussions will be completed, because they seem to be taking a long time?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that we are not trying to delay or hold up this matter in any way, but many detailed investigations have to take place in regard to relevant areas before a decision is finally taken.

Mr. Bevan

But did this investigation not start many years ago, as far back as 1948–49, and ought there not to be some definite results now?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

That was more in the nature of an inquiry than the detailed experiment in an area.

Mr. Baird

Were not inquiries made into an experiment carried out in America, and what is the result of those inquiries?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

This was based on the report of the mission that went to America.

32 Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Health what consideration he has given to the fluoridation of water supplies in industrial areas.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

Before any area is selected for fluoridation the nature of its industries will be taken into account.

Dr. Stross

Will the Minister bear in mind that in Stoke-on-Trent, and in places like Salford and Manchester, we are already condemned to inhale a good deal of fluorine compounds and the last thing in the world that we want is to have more fluorine compounds in the water?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

That is one of the very important points which are under consideration.