§ Mr. Lawrenceasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the estimated annual cost of fluoridating the United Kingdom's drinking water supplies, incorporating an amount for necessary capital expenditure.
§ Mr. MoyleIt is for those health authorities which decide to seek the introduction of fluoridation to make the necessary financial and other arrangements with regional water authorities. Capital and running costs will vary from one health authority's area to another, according to the nature of the water supply system, and it is therefore impracticable to provide the estimate requested. However, experience has shown that no other method is as effective or as economical as fluoridation in protecting the whole community against dental decay.