§ Mr. Spriggsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in the light of the potential danger to the water supply, he will investigate the tipping of toxic wastes and the need to fluoridate the public water supply to the constituents of the hon. Member for St. Helens and the St. Helens Borough Council areas as a whole; whether clinical tests show a necessity to add fluoride to the public water supply in the said area, and what the cost will be to his Department.
§ Mr. Denis HowellI see no reason to investigate the tipping of toxic wastes in my hon. Friend's constituency. The licensing system for waste disposal sites recently introduced under the control of Pollution Act 1974 gives waste disposal authorities—in England, the county coun-6W cils—wide powers to ensure that waste is not disposed of in such a manner as to pose a threat to water supplies. Consultation with the relevant water authority is statutorily required before a licence can be granted. Questions on the need for fluoridation and its cost are for my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Social Services.