§ Baroness Fisher of Rednalasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether there have been any adverse effects on their policy supporting the fluoridation of water as a result of the privatisation of the water industry.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Baroness Cumberlege)The Government's policy relating to fluoridation is unaffected by the privatisation of the water industry. We remain convinced that fluoridation is a safe and effective way of reducing dental caries. This view is supported by the weight of medical and scientific opinion throughout the world. We will, therefore, continue to122WA support fluoridation. Decisions about the introduction of fluoridation schemes are, however, properly for decision at local level, as they have been for the past 30 years.