GalbraithTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if the chief dental officer will issue a statement on water fluoridation;
(2) what considerations led to the issuing of the statement on fluoridation of water by the chief medical officer; and if he will make a statement.
StewartIn light of newspaper articles which did not adequately represent his views on fluoridation, the chief medical officer wrote on 3 December to the chairman of Greater Glasgow health board to clarify the position. Copies of his letter were sent to the chairmen of Argyll and Clyde, Ayrshire and Arran and Lanarkshire health boards. The letter explained his views and summarised the scientific evidence that fluoridation is a safe and highly effective means of reducing dental decay, particularly in children. The chief dental officer fully concurs with the terms of the letter and has no plans to issue a separate statement. Copies of the letter are being placed in the Library of the House.