HC Deb 10 December 1962 vol 669 cc25-6
36. Sir Richard Pilkington

asked the Minister of Health what action he is taking following his Department's Report on fluoridation of water; and what will be the dental effects.

Mr. Powell

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I are ready to approve, under Section 28 of the National Health Service Act and the corresponding Section of the Scottish Act, proposals from local health authorities to make arrangements with water undertakers for the addition of fluoride to water supplies which are deficient in it naturally. Where this is done, the incidence of dental decay in young children should be reduced by about half.

Sir Richard Pilkington

Is there any medical reason why this treatment of water should not be made universal?

Mr. Powell

Not the least. Some parts of the country have had the advantage of being able to drink water with natural fluoride since the beginning of time. There is no reason why any part of the country should be excluded from its advantages. This is a matter, however, in which the local health authorities, as responsible for preventive health, will take the initiative in their own areas.

Mr. Kershaw

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the scruples held by some members of the population about fluoridation? Is he satisfied that his Departmental Committee gave full consideration to the objections made by such people in, for example, a pamphlet called "The fluoridation of public water supply" published by the National Pure Water Association this year?

Mr. Powell

Yes, Sir. I am completely satisfied that these scruples are unfounded and groundless.

Dr. Stross

In view of the fact that a fortnight ago the City of Stoke-on-Trent passed a resolution without anyone taking exception to it to move forward and have one part per million of fluoride in its drinking water, does the Minister's statement now mean that very soon the City will be able to make its own arrangements with the water board?

Mr. Powell

I shall look forward to receiving their proposals, which I hope to approve.

Mr. Hastings

Can my right hon. Friend give any idea what the cost of this is likely to be to local authorities?

Mr. Powell

Yes, about 10d. per head per year in the areas so supplied.

Mr. K. Robinson

Is the Minister aware that his decision, although somewhat delayed, will be generally very welcome?

Sir G. Nicholson

Are my right hon. Friend and his Department 100 per cent. convinced that this is desirable? Why does he not take stronger steps? Dental health is extremely important, both in itself and from the long-term view. Surely, my right hon. Friend ought to be more vigorous.

Mr. Powell

I cannot do more short of making it mandatory upon all local authorities to do this. I cannot pick one element out of a whole field of the responsibilities of the local health authorities and make that mandatory. I am sure that in this, as in other elements of preventive health, realising the value of this measure, local authorities will come forward steadily and actively to put it into effect.

Sir G. Nicholson

Says you.