HC Deb 09 November 1979 vol 973 cc378-9W
Mr. Lawrence

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the Royal Commission on the National Health Service received evidence from any body or organisation opposed to fluoridation.

Sir George Young

This is not a matter for my right hon. Friend. The Royal Commission has dealt wih the submission of evidence in its report—Cmnd. 7615.

Mr. Lawrence

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, with regard to artificial fluoridation of public water supplies, which countries of the EEC (a) do not permit it, (b) permit but have discontinued its use and (c) permit it but have not used it.

Sir George Young

I understand that the position nationally under the heads requested is as follows:

  1. a. France, Denmark, Italy.
  2. b. The Netherlands—following a legal decision on a technicality.
  3. c. Belgium, Federal Republic of Germany, Luxembourg.

Mr. Lawrence

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether his Department has taken any steps to stop or defer the sale of fluoride tablets in any area in which the drinking water contains fluoride either naturally or artificially in a proportion approaching 1 part per million.

Sir George Young

The Department's chief pharmacist gave guidance about this in a letter in August 1978 to general practice pharmacist contractors. I am sending a copy to my hon. Friend.