§ 25. Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what estimate he has made of the capital cost of the plant which the Thames Valley Authority would need to install to secure the fluoridation of water and of the estimated annual cost per capita of securing this prophylaxis against dental caries; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Dr. OwenIt is for those health authorities which decide to introduce fluoridation to make the necessary financial and other arrangements with regional water authorities. Capital and running costs of fluoridation will vary from one health authority's area to another, according to the nature of the water supply system, and average figures for the Thames Water Authority's area are therefore not available. We have earmarked £0.5 million annually to help health authorities provide the initial capital cost of fluoridation schemes, and the Department will shortly be issuing guidance about the necessary arrangements.