§ 43. Mr. Farey-Jonesasked the Minister of Health what report he has received from the Watford Corporation in regard to the experimental trial of the fluoridisation of water supplies at present in progress.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithNone as yet.
§ Mr. Farey-JonesWould the Minister bear in mind that tens of thousands of people, not only in Watford, but elsewhere, regard compulsory fluoridisation as an unwarrantable invasion of the liberties of the private subject? Would he therefore consider the voluntary provision of fluoride as is the case with iodine in areas where it is lacking?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI know that feelings are aroused by this matter, as my hon. Friend has indicated, but he in his turn will, I am sure, appreciate that there is a good deal of misunderstanding about it in some quarters. I assure him that the expert advice which I have received is that there is no ground for the allegation that fluoridisation has any adverse effect on health.
§ Dr. SummerskillOn the contrary, many people would think the people of Watford extremely fortunate.