HC Deb 06 February 1978 vol 943 cc404-6W
Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if water authorities will now be fully authorised to adjust the fluoride level to the minimum recommended by the World Health Organisation for the prevention of dental caries, in accordance with the declared wish of 86 area health authorities.

Mr. Denis Howell

Implementation of fluoridation schemes is the responsibility of regional water authorities, and I have encouraged them to comply with requests made by area health authorities. Successive Governments have held the view that there is an adequate statutory base for fluoridation.

Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish in the Official Report a list of the cities and towns in the United Kingdom using water to which one part per million gallon fluoride has been added.

Mr. Denis Howell

The level of fluoride in public water supply has been raised to one part per million in either all or part of the following areas:

Anglian Water Authority:

  • Bedford and district.
  • South Humberside.
  • North East Lincolnshire.
  • Kesteven.
  • Lincoln and district.

Northumbrian Water Authority:

  • Durham.
  • Newcastle and district.

North West Water Authority:

  • Workington, Whitehaven and district.
  • Mid Cheshire.

Severn-Trent Water Authority:

  • Birmingham.
  • Central Nottinghamshire.
  • North Derbyshire.
  • South Derbyshire.
  • East Worcestershire.
  • Rugby.
  • South Warwickshire.

Thames Water Authority:

  • Watford.
  • Watney and district.
  • Stokenchurch and district.

Yorkshire Water Authority:

  • Huddersfield and district.
  • Bradford and district.

I am advised by my right hon. Friends, the Secretaries of State for Scotland, and Northern Ireland and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales that the level of fluoride in public water supply has been raised to one part per million in either all or parts of the following areas:

Scotland:

  • Wigtownshire.
  • Islay.
  • Lerwick.

Wales:

  • Anglesey.
  • Bridgend and district.
    • 406
  • Pontypridd and district.
  • Merthyr Vale.
  • Cynon Valley.
  • Rhymney Valley.
  • Vale of Glamorgan.
  • Radnor.

Northern Ireland:

  • Holywood.
  • Tandragee, Co. Armagh.