§ 30. Mr. Gurdenasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that bottles of spa water being offered for sale as pure, natural and not contaminated in any way, have been found on analysis to contain six times more than the amount of fluoride in a treated water supply; and if he will take steps to prevent the sale.
§ Mr. SnowMy right hon. Friend is aware of the fluoride content of the spa water in question. He has no powers, nor does he consider it necessary, to prevent the sale of natural mineral waters.
§ Mr. GurdenDoes the hon. Gentleman agree that the fluoride content ought to be specified on the label, and will he take steps to make this obligatory?
§ Mr. SnowWe have no information that reasonable indulgence in this spa water, which I think in this case is Vichy water, is hazardous, nor do we think that it is a desirable substitute for ordinary tap water. It is reasonable to suppose that it is efficacious to remedy undue indulgence in the haute cuisine.
§ Dr. John DunwoodyWould my hon. Friend not go further and agree that the vast majority of doctors and dentists would regard the presence of fluoride in the water not as being a condemnation, but would consider it to have a very positive advantageous effect?