HC Deb 19 January 1979 vol 960 cc950-1W
Mr. Lawrence

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment under what statutory powers water authorities are able to add artificial fluoride to the public water supplies.

Mr. Denis Howell:

There are no express statutory powers to fluoridate, but the view has been taken by successive Governments that the addition of fluoride to water at the request of a health authority is consistent with the water authorities' duties under what is now section 11 of the Water Act 1973 and under schedule 3 of the Water Act 1945.