HC Deb 19 March 1968 vol 761 c230
6. Mr. John Hall

asked the Minister of Health what grants the Central Council for Health Education receive either from his Department or from local authorities; and whether part of the work carried out by this Central Council is concerned with providing a fluoridation information service.

Mr. Snow

The Central Council is financed mainly by local authorities and does not receive any grant from my Department. I understand that it provides information on fluoridation.

Mr. Hall

Would not the hon. Gentleman agree that it is loading the dice a little unfairly that those who are against the addition of fluoride to water should be forced to contribute through the rates to the cost of propaganda on behalf of fluoridation?

Mr. Snow

It is largely a matter of the right information, and surely even those who are prejudiced in the matter have a right to receive enlightened information.

Mr. Rankin

Does not my hon. Friend regard it as most important to warn people about the dangers of sodium fluoride in view of the fact that it is used in other places to poison rats?

Mr. Snow

My Department is advised that there is no such danger and that in certain quarters very beneficial results can be obtained by the fluoridation.