§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on his policy concerning the prevention of dental disease by adding one part per million of fluorides to water; and if he will introduce legislation at an early date.
Sir George YonngGovernments of both main political parties have been convinced for many years of the safety and efficacy of fluoridation and have encouraged its adoption. While nearly all area health authorities have decided to seek fluoridation in their areas, only 4.4 million people in England so far receive fluoridated water. Successive Governments have encouraged water authorities to comply with health authorities' requests for fluoridation, and have held the view that there is an adequate statutory basis for it. Before any specific legislation is considered, it is desirable to encourage greater public awareness of the value of fluoridation as a safe and effective measure for preventing dental decay in the community. Further opportunities may arise for parliamentary discussion of these issues.