HC Deb 28 July 1980 vol 989 cc556-7W
Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his Department's current policy regarding fluoridation of water supplies; and if he will make a statement

Sir George Young

Present policy follows that of successive Governments since 1962 in encouraging area health authorities to seek the introduction of fluoridation, and 85 out of 90 have decided to do so, although so far only 9 per cent. of the population of Britain receive fluoridated water. Water authorities are encouraged to comply with the requests of health authorities. The Government are convinced of the safety and efficacy of fluoridation, but would prefer to proceed with the consent of those concerned. They have no plans for legislation to make it compulsory.

HEALTH AND PERSONAL SOCIAL SERVICES, ENGLAND, 1978–79
NET CURRENT EXPENDITURE ON SERVICES FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED (November 1978 prices)
Total … … … £300 million
NHS hospital services (adults and children) … … … £227 million, £4,860 per occupied bed
Local authority residential accommodation
(i) for children … … … £10 million, £6,090 per child
(ii) for adults … … … £23 million, £1,890 per resident
Adult training centres … … … £40 million, £950 per place

These figures do not take account of services which cater for a range of client groups—eg social workers, family practitioner services—where expenditure cannot centrally be allocated to a particular client group or of allowances—eg mobility allowances paid for mentally handicapped children.

Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the latest estimate of the numbers of children classified as (a) mentally retarded, and (b) educationally subnormal, indicating the numbers in both categories.

Sir George Young

The term "mentally retarded" is not a recognised classification in England.

I understand from my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science that in January 1979 there were 106,804 children in England ascertained as educationally subnormal receiving special educational treatment or awaiting placement in special schools.