HC Deb 03 June 1954 vol 528 c118W
Mr. Woodburn

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will ensure that, as recommended by the Government Mission which studied fluoridation in the United States of America, before fluoride is added to the water supplies of selected communities, information on the incidence of dental caries in those and comparable communities as controls will be obtained, and a survey of fluoride excretion in the urine of representative persons of all age-groups throughout the country made to assess the required dose of fluoride to be added; how adequate supplies of fluoride will be obtained; and what safeguards there will be against errors in dosage and undue exposure of the operating personnel to the materials handled.

Mr. J. Stuart

Information will be obtained on the incidence of dental caries in selected communities and in control areas. A survey of fluoride excretion throughout the country is not considered to be necessary, but a survey will be required in the selected communities and their associated control areas. The detailed arrangements to be made for these purposes and on the other points mentioned in the Question have not yet been finally settled.

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