§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many area health authorities in England and Wales have to date supported the addition of fluoride to the water supply; how many have recorded their opposition to it; and how many have taken no decision in the matter.
§ Dr. OwenA list of 24 area health authorities whose areas are wholly or partly supplied with fluoridated water was given in my reply on 4th March to the hon. Member for Brighton, Kempton (Mr. Bowden)—[Vol. 906, c.733–4.] Although the position is constantly changing, my Department is at present aware of over 30 other area health authorities in England which have decided in principle in favour of fluoridation and of one which has decided against. The Department has recently issued a circular again commending this safe and effective measure to those area health authorities which have not yet decided in favour, and inviting them, in the light of the report of the Royal College of Physicians, to give urgent consideration to introducing it as part of their preventive health responsibilities.