§ 19. Dr. David Kerrasked the Minister of Health in view of the misleading and inaccurate information distributed widely by opponents of fluoridation of water supplies, whether he will grant sufficient money to the Central Council for Health Education to allow the Council to correct this effectively.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonI fully accept the need for wide dissemination of factual and objective information about fluoridation, but I am not satisfied that this would be the most effective method in present circumstances.
§ Dr. KerrIs the Minister aware that no fewer than 50 local authorities have already gone on record against fluoridation, misled by this kind of rubbish from otherwise well-meaning people? If he is not prepared to use the services of the Central Council for Health Education, would he please tell the House at an early date which service he proposes to use?
§ Mr. RobinsonI share my hon. Friend's disappointment, but I remind him that about 90 authorities have decided in favour of fluoridation. I feel that fluoridation is one of the most useful preventive health measures which medical and dental science has so far made available to us in our fight against dental decay. In those circumstances, I feel it right that I as Minister should take the initiative and accept full responsibility for ensuring that the true facts are disseminated as widely as possible.
§ Sir Knox CunninghamWill the Minister tell the House which methods he is using to make the advice which he is giving to the House known to the public and the nation at large?
§ Mr. RobinsonMy advice is primarily directed towards the local health authorities. I have acquainted them with all the scientific information in favour of fluoridation. My Department has produced a considerable amount of material to counter the irresponsible propaganda against fluoridation which has received an unduly wide circulation.
§ Mr. SpeakerDr. Kerr.
§ Mr. RankinOn a point of order. May I have your guidance, Mr. Speaker? In view of the fact that I described fluoridation as sodium fluoride, which is a virulent poison, being added to our water, am I guilty of misleading the nation?
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The hon. Member is wasting time at Question Time by arguing under the guise of raising a point of order.
§ 21. Mr. Fisherasked the Minister of Health if he will give an estimate of the extent of anti-fluoridation opinion in the country.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonThe lists circulated with my reply to the hon. Member for Chigwell (Mr. Biggs-Davison) on 22nd November indicate that among local authorities the weight of opinion is predominantly in support of fluoridation. Leading professional opinion is almost entirety in favour.
§ Mr. FisherIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that although personally I am fully in favour of fluoridation and a great supporter of his policy, I find that a considerable number of my constituents are not? In fact, an unofficial local poll revealed 85 per cent. against it. In view of this—which may be common throughout the country—is there any way by which people can express a personal opinion on a very personal matter?
§ Mr. RobinsonI do not know whether the hon. Member is suggesting that there should be something in the nature of a referendum in local authorities. That would be a new constitutional departure. The fact is that almost all existing opposition to this proposal stems from the very small but very vocal group of people who bombard local councillors with propaganda which is both unscientific and irresponsible.
§ 22. Mr. Fisherasked the Minister of Health to what extent it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government that decision by individual local authorities is the best way of implementing the fluoridation of water policy.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonThe statutory function of making arrangements for fluoridation of water supplies rests with the local health authorities under Section 28 of the National Health Service Act, 1946. In 990 my view it is best that the decision should be theirs.
§ Mr. FisherWhat bothers me a little is that local authorities have no mandate to decide the matter as far as I am aware. Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that it has never been fully debated in the House and that therefore there has been no express approval by Parliament of it—although, I say again, personally I am greatly in favour of it.
§ Mr. RobinsonI would welcome a debate in the House on fluoridation and I very much hope that some private Member who is lucky in the Ballot will put it forward as a subject for debate.
§ Sir K. JosephIs the Minister aware that we on this side of the House wish him the best of luck in his campaign and hope that it is thoroughly successful?