§ Mr. BrakeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effect of fluoride retention on human health; and what plans he has for an indemnity for water companies required to introduce fluoride into the water supply. [33033]
§ Mr. MilburnAppropriate use of fluoride improves health by reducing dental caries, partly through the retention of fluoride in the teeth, without any known adverse effects on health. The Department is already able to offer indemnities to water companies against costs, damages or other expenses incurred by them as a result of fluoridating water supplies.
With the publication of the Public Health Green Paper "Our Healthier Nation" on 5 February 1998, we have set out the terms for a wide ranging debate on the options for improving dental health including the fluoridation of water.