HC Deb 14 February 1955 vol 537 c8W
Mr. Viant

asked the Minister of Health where the pilot study of urinary excretion of fluoride in children in this country was made; the date of it; how many children were examined; their ages; and whether he will publish full details of the study and of the conclusions reached from it.

Mr. Iain Macleod

The pilot study of urinary excretion was made in London during 1953 and 1954 and 36 children up to the age of 12 were under examination. It confirmed the results obtained in the United States and New Zealand and made it clear that more extensive studies were unnecessary. Under the circumstances I do not propose to publish the results.

Mr. Viant

asked the Minister of Health what arrangements have been made after fluoridation is begun in Anglesey to ensure that consecutive records of the fluorine content of urine of children and adults in the fluoridated area and in the control area are kept; how many persons will be kept under observation; and where necessary chemical tests will be made.

Mr. Iain Macleod

It was not envisaged that such examinations should be made generally after fluoridation had started. The Mission which studied fluoridation in North America only raised the question of urinary examinations in connection with the preliminary assessment of the right amount to be added.