§ Mr. Pounderasked the Minister of Health (1) if he is aware that the addition of sodium flouride to water supplies results in its consumption in haphazard doses; and what is the safe optimum of consumption;
(2) what is the effect of sodium fluoride on jaw development;
(3) if the long-term effects of ingesting small quantities of sodium fluoride continuously are known; and if he will make a statement;
(4) what is the effect of sodium fluoride on persons suffering from kidney complaints;
(5) what study he has made of the value of fluoridation as a combatant of dental decay; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LoughlinThe report to which I referred the hon. Member in my reply on 22nd March explains that long-term studies here and abroad have confirmed that the optimum amount of fluoride in water, for consumption in the quantities to which individuals are accustomed, is about one part per million; and that at this level there is substantial protection against dental decay with no ill effects. This applies whether the fluoride is derived from sodium fluoride or other sources.
§ Mr. Pounderasked the Minister of Health what reasons were given him by Andover and Kilmarnock local authorities for ceasing to partake in the fluoridation experiment.
§ Mr. LoughlinNo reasons were given.
§ Mr. Pounderasked the Minister of Health how many local authorities were invited to take part in the original experiments on fluoridation; how many 187W replied; and what was the nature of these replies.
§ Mr. LoughlinSix; all; four accepted and two did not.