§ 2.35 p.m.
§ LORD DOUGLAS OF BARLOCHMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether it is permissible under the National Health Service for doctors and dentists who consider that fluorides will reduce the incidence of dental decay to prescribe for children or for expectant mothers pills or other preparations containing fluorides.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF HEALTH (LORD NEWTON)My Lords, prescribing under the National Health Service by dentists is restricted by Statute to a list of substances which does not include any containing fluoride salts. So far as doctors are concerned, the question whether a particular substance may be prescribed under the National Health Service is one which can ultimately toe decided only on individual cases by the Local Medical Committee or, on appeal, by independent referees. Perhaps I might be allowed to add that, with your Lordships' permission, I shall be making a statement later on this afternoon about fluoridation of water supplies.
§ LORD DOUGLAS OF BARLOCHMy Lords, in view of that, I will reserve my supplementary questions.