HC Deb 06 December 1978 vol 959 c708W
Mr. Banks

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many area health authorities have decided to add fluoride to their water supplies; and to what proportion of drinking water in the United Kingdom fluoride is added.

Mr. Moyle:

Of the 90 area health authorities in England, 85 have decided in favour of this important preventive health measure. About 9 per cent. of the population of England at present receives fluoridated water. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment has encouraged water authorities to comply with health authorities' requests for fluoridation where it is technically possible to do so.