HC Deb 12 March 1981 vol 1000 c411W
Mr. Lawrence

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, with reference to his Department's pamphlet"Care in Action", what he considers to be the appropriate method of testing whether a climate of local opinion in favour of fluoridation of water supplies has been achieved.

Sir George Young

The decision to seek to introduce the fluoridation of water supplies remains that of the health authority locally and the question of assessing the climate of local opinion is also for the health authority to decide.

Mr. Lawrence

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, with reference to his Department's pamphlet"Care in Action", what allocation of public funds he proposes to make in seeking to create a climate of local opinion in favour of fluoridation of water supplies.

Sir George Young

The Government already contribute funds both directly and indirectly towards dental health education. The purpose of the recently published"Care in Action" was to set out for the new health authorities, for local government and for the voluntary movement, the policies and priorities for health and personal social services which should guide them in their work. It will be for authorities locally to decide what allocation of funds may be appropriate for the different elements of its strategy of health promotion and prevention.