§ Dr. WrightTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment he has made of public opinion towards water fluoridation with particular reference to(a) inner-city residents and (b) ethnic minority groups; [6653]
(2) what assessment he has made of the benefits of community-based water fluoridation for (a) inner-city residents and (b) ethnic minority groups. [6676]
§ Ms HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health which areas had artificially fluoridated water supplies before privatisation; and which have fluoridated since. [7319]
§ Mr. MaloneThe Government remain fully convinced of the safety and efficacy of fluoridation, in providing a cost-effective method of improving oral health for all members of the community. Studies have consistently shown that the prevalence of dental decay in fluoridated areas is between one third to one half lower than in comparable non-fluoridated water areas.
1139WProfessionally conducted opinion polls have consistently shown public support for fluoridation running at around 70 per cent. for fluoridation. Opinion surveys of particular groups are not routinely undertaken as water fluoridation benefits all sections of the population served, including inner-city residents and ethnic minorities.
United Kingdom water companies supplying artificially fluoridated water supplies to various localities within their catchment area before water privatisation include:
- Severn Trent Water
- South Staffordshire Water
- East Worcestershire Waterworks Company (now part of Severn Trent)
- North East Water
- North West Water
- Welsh Water
- Yorkshire Water
- Anglian Water
- Colne Valley Water Company.
Severn Trent Water and Anglian Water have extended artificially fluoridated water supplies to new locations within their areas since water privatisation.