HC Deb 28 February 1955 vol 537 c1698
16. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Health if he will make a statement in respect to the experiments being made in the fluoridation of water; and what progress has been made.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

Fluoridation in three selected areas in England and Wales is expected to start during the summer.

Mr. Dodds

As this is a most important matter, can the hon. Lady not give a little more detail? How many local authorities are going to make a start, and how many experiments are being held?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

The study areas have already been announced and are Anglesey, Darlington and Watford, in England and Wales, and Kilmarnock, in Scotland. The reason it takes some time to bring them into operation is that special equipment has to be provided, and the local authorities are now inviting tenders.

Dr. Stross

Is a list available, which we could see or have placed in the Library, of the fluorine content of water so far as it is available at present, particularly for the major local authorities?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

I will look into the hon. Member's request.