HC Deb 10 April 2002 vol 383 cc483-4W
Mr. Syms

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consultation will be conducted with parents about the introduction of fluoridated milk in schools. [42977]

Ms Blears

When a scheme is under consideration, health service staff visit the school and explain the objectives of the scheme both to parents and staff. Leaflets and letters are then issued to parents, which indicate that children who are taking fluoride tablets or drops do not need fluoridated milk and that milk without the addition of fluoride will remain available. A consent form is attached to the letter which parents have to sign before their child can receive fluoridated milk.

Mr. Syms

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether children drinking fluoridated milk in schools will be monitored for fluoride excess. [42979]

Ms Blears

The design of the milk fluoridation scheme is such that it is unlikely that children will consume excess fluoride and children are not being monitored on an individual basis. However, there is general monitoring in place to evaluate the scheme. The amount of fluoride excreted in a 24 hour period gives a good indication of the amount consumed. Recently published data show that a number of children in the scheme have had their fluoride excretion levels measured and no evidence was found of any problems. In addition, fluorosis levels will be monitored in four health authorities in the scheme.