§ 14. Mr. Michael Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans she has for providing fluoride tablets for children in schools.
§ Dr. OwenThere are a number of difficulties inherent in this suggestion. I intend to issue later this year a consultative document on preventive health measures generally, including preventive dentistry.
§ Mr. MarshallIs the Minister aware that the cost per child of this service would be less than 50p per annum? Is he further aware that the overwhelming majority of expert opinion advises this form of treatment for children? Would not an excellent opportunity to gain firsthand evidence on the subject be provided by carrying out this exercise free for schoolchildren?
§ Dr. OwenI share the hon. Gentleman's concern about dental hygiene amongst children, but the advice he mentioned is not the overwhelming advice that I am getting. The overwhelming advice of people who are involved with this subject is that the general fluoridation of water supplies would be far preferable to any other interim measure.
§ Mr. CryerDoes not my hon. Friend agree that the best way to ensure healthy teeth in children, and healthy children, is to restore free milk to children aged between 7 and 11? Will he confirm that many Labour councillors faced imprisonment in supporting that principle, and will he prevail upon the Secretary of State for Education and Science to reintroduce as soon as possible free milk for children aged between 7 and 11?
§ Dr. OwenThat is a subject for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science. There is no doubt that the earlier in childhood that preventive measures are taken, the better. That is why fluoridation at an early age is an important matter, although the benefits of fluoridation occur at all ages.