§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many water authorities fluoridate their water; what guidance he gives to water authorities on this practice; what plans he has to change the law regarding water fluoridation; and if he will make a statement.[86411]
§ Mr. DenhamIn England six Water Undertakers provide fluoridated water to some of the populations they serve–Northumbria, North West, Severn Trent, South Staffordshire, Anglian and Thames.
Under the Water Industry Act 1991 health authorities are required to consult:
the appropriate local authoritiesthe community health councilsand any other local bodies the HA considers appropriate.In addition the HA must publicise its proposals for water fluoridation through the local press and invite public comment. It is important to ensure that the publicity covers all parts of the area to be fluoridated, and reaches as many people as possible. The HA must allow a period of at least three months for this consultation process before it makes its final decision. Once it has completed consultation and formally adopted a policy in favour of water fluoridation, the HA must then in writing request the water company to implement the scheme.
The Government will make a policy statement on fluoridation in the Public Health White Paper, which will be published shortly.