§ 52. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the worsening condition of children's teeth as shown by studies published by his Department; and what action he has taken to improve the preventive aspect of the dental services.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI am aware of the position. I am encouraging dentists to give more time to the conservation of children's teeth, and they are doing so. I am also taking steps to increase dental health education, which is now being coordinated by the Independent Standing Committee recommended by the McNair Report. Studies of the fluoridation of water supplies as a preventive measure are also proceeding in three areas of Great Britain.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopDoes not the right hon. and learned Gentleman feel that we have got beyond the stage of further studies about the addition of fluorides? Is it not about time that we took more definite action about it in view of the very disturbing reports from his Ministry's records of the steadily worsening condition of children's teeth?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithNo, Sir. The fluoridation demonstrations have been initiated and they are expected to produce some very useful information, hut the hon. Gentleman and the House will appreciate that that is only one of the various ways in which we are seeking to attack the problem.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopWould the right hon. and learned Gentleman not agree that this matter has been discussed since 1950 or 1951, and surely we do not need further examination of the fluoride position with all the experience that there is in many parts of the world to tell us how valuable it can be?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithWe think we do or we should not have initiated the studies.