HC Deb 27 November 1963 vol 685 cc253-4
5. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many local authorities in Scotland are adding sodium fluoride to their public drinking water: if they have done so on his recommendation; and if he placed the full facts for and against fluoridation before them.

Mr. Stodart

None, Sir. But seven with my right hon. Friend's approval are now in course of making the necessary technical arrangements. My right hon. Friend has sent to all local health authorities copies of the report on the five-year experiments conducted in Great Britain and a booklet prepared by the Ministry of Health on the subject.

Mr. Rankin

My last figures showed that the majority of water authorities in Scotland are against the scheme Is that still the case? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that sodium fluoride is better known as rat poison? If treatment is required for dental decay, would it not be better to give sufferers treatment in pill form, or in solution, instead of taking as a therapeutic maxim the idea that if little Johnnie is suffering from a sore toe and wearing a poultice for it everyone in the neighbourhood should wear poultices, too? Does the Undersecretary accept this as good medical practise?

Mr. Stodart

Not altogether. Although, as I have said, seven authorities are in process of making arrangements, according to my information thirteen have rejected the idea of fluoridation. Although I have used rat poison in my agricultural connection on many occasions, I have never used sodium fluoride, and I should not have thought that if we wished to cure the decay which is so prevalent in children's teeth it would be practicable to take the course suggested by the hon. Member.

Commander Donaldson

Is my hon. Friend aware that I grew up in a part of the world where natural fluoridation was ten times more than is ever anticipated in Scotland or elsewhere in this country? Will he accept that at the age of 60 I have all my teeth as a result and that I do not think that I am a rat and I have never taken rat poison?

Mr. Stodart

I have often admired my hon. and gallant Friend's set of teeth.

Mr. Rankin

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Answer, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.