Water Supplies (Fluoridation)

HC Deb 09 July 1956 vol 556 cc6-7

18. Mr. Grimond

asked the Minister of Health the present policy of the Government over the introduction of fluorine in water supplies.

Mr. Turton

The Government's policy continues to be that recommended by the United Kingdom Mission to the United States of America and announced in this House in December, 1953, namely, that studies should be made in some selected communities of the various aspects of the fluoridation of water supplies before a decision is made whether it should be generally adopted in this country.

Mr. Grimond

Is there any doubt about the ultimate benefit or otherwise of this policy? When does the Minister expect that the results of this investigation will be known and will be made known to the public?

Mr. Turton

The local authorities which have already agreed to carry out study demonstrations are Anglesey, Andover and Watford in England and Wales, and Kilmarnock in Scotland. Fluoridation has started, except at Andover, where it is expected to begin very shortly. We shall have to wait until the study demonstrations have proceeded for a certain time before we can draw any conclusions.