§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which areas of Northern Ireland have artificially fluoridated water and which areas have naturally fluoridated water supplies; and if he has any plans to increase the number of areas which will receive fluoridated water over the next three years.
§ Mr. Needham[holding answer 16 February 1988]: Two areas of Northern Ireland have artificially fluoridated water supplies. These are Holywood, County Down and Tandragee, County Armagh. Fluoride occurs naturally in varying amounts in all water supplies in Northern Ireland. Decisions on the introduction of fluoridation schemes will 99W be based on proposals from health and social services boards which must first consult district councils and the communities affected by any proposed schemes.