§ Mr. Cledwyn Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services which authorities are now responsible for deciding upon the fluoridation by water supplies; and if she will make a statement.
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§ Dr. OwenUnder the National Health Service Reorganisation Act 1973 it is the responsibility of each health authority to decide in respect of its own area whether it wishes fluoridation to be introduced, and if so to approach the appropriate regional water authority. I am considering what advice to give to health authorities in this matter.
§ Mr. Cledwyn Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she is satisfied that the fluoridation of water supplies in certain areas of Great Britain has been justified; if there is clear evidence that dental health has been improved as a result and that there has been no adverse effect on health generally; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. OwenI am satisfied on all three counts. Fluoridation of water supplies is a fully established public health measure, and overwhelming evidence of its safety and effectiveness has been published in the Five and Eleven Year Reports of the Fluoridation Research Committee on Fluoridation Studies in the United Kingdom and the Results Achieved.