§ Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will provide to area health authorities the initial capital cost of fluoridation of water supplies.
§ Dr. OwenThe cost of fluoridation, like that of other preventive health measures, is normally borne by health authorities themselves. However, to help authorities provide the initial capital cost, we have proposed in the consultative document "Priorities for Health and Personal Social Services in England" to earmark £500,000 annually for this purpose. My Department will shortly issue advice to authorities about the necessary arrangements.