§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has any proposals to change his policy in respect of fluoridation of water supplies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanPresent policy is to encourage area health authorities to fluoridate water. 85 out of 90 have decided to do so, but so far only 9 per cent. of the population of Britain receives fluoridated water. The Government believe that progress should be with the consent of those concerned. They have no plans for legislation to make it compulsory. Meanwhile, they are watching with interest the increasing evidence in favour of the regular use of fluoridated toothpaste and the inquiries into alternative ways of counteracting dental672W caries, for example by vaccination. The Department has supported research into vaccination to a total of over £540,000.