HC Deb 12 April 1978 vol 947 cc417-8W
Mr. Lomas

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what authorities in dental health were consulted when he reached his decision that water supplies should be fluoridated; and if he will list them in the Official Report, together with those who opposed such a measure.

Mr. Moyle

The then Minister of Health decided to commend fluoridation to the authorities locally responsible for preventive health in 1962, after publication of the report on the successful conclusion of the first five years of the United Kingdom fluoridation studies (Reports on Public Health and Medical Subjects No. 105—HMSO 1962) and after consultation with his statutory advisory bodies, the Standing Dental and Standing Medical Advisory Committee and the Central Health Services Council, all of whom advised him to promote the adoption of the measure. He announced his decision in reply to a Question on 10th December 1962 and this policy has been endorsed by successive Governments ever since.

The exchanges which followed that reply suggested that the decision was opposed by the National Pure Water Association.—[Vol. 669. c. 25–6.]

Mr. Lomas

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the advantages, and the disadvantages, to the introduction of fluoridation in water supplies.

Mr. Moyle

Fluoridation of water supplies is an entirely beneficial preventive health measure, since it safely and effectively reduces dental decay and is by far the best means of protecting the community against this widespread disease. Its safety and efficacy were confirmed in the reports on the first five and 11 years of the official fluoridation studies in the United Kingdom (Reports on Public Health and Medical Subjects Nos. 105 and 122—HMSO 1962 and 1969) and in the report "Fluoride, Teeth and Health" (Pitman Medical, 1976) of the Royal College of Physicians, which comprehensively reviewed research carried out in the United Kingdom and abroad.

Mr. Lomas

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he intends to introduce legislation to ensure that water supplies are fluoridated in the interest of dental health; and, if so, when.

Mr. Moyle

I cannot add to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend on 16th December 1977.—[Vol. 941, c.580–1.]