§ Mr. MallonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what fluoride compounds are added to public water supplies in Tandragee and Bangor; in what concentration; and by whom they are supplied. [20063]
§ Mr. WorthingtonThe fluoride content of the water supply is increased only in water supplied to Tandragee and Holywood. The water supplied to Bangor is not subject to fluoridation. The compound of fluorine used to increase the fluoride content of the water supply is hexafluorosilicic acid.
The fluoridation of water is subject to the provisions of the Water (Fluoridation) (Northern Ireland) Order 1987. Under the provisions of that Order the concentration of fluoride is, so far as is reasonably practicable, required to be maintained at one milligram per litre.
Hexafluorosilicic acid is purchased from a supplier selected by annual tender.
§ Mr. MallonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of the risks to health arising from fluoridation of water supplies. [20065]
§ Mr. WorthingtonThe overwhelming scientific evidence has concluded that fluoridation of water supplies at one part per million parts of water is entirely safe. The water service monitors the supply to ensure that the concentration is maintained at this level.
§ Mr. MallonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans there are to(a) extend and (b) cease the fluoridation of water supplies in Northern Ireland. [20067]
§ Mr. WorthingtonThere are presently no plans to extend or cease the fluoridation of water supplies in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. MallonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many(a) households and (b) residents receive fluoridated public water supplies in (i) Tandragee and (ii) Bangor.[20069]
§ Mr. WorthingtonThe estimated number of households and residents in Tandragee and Holywood normally receiving water supplies with an increased fluoride levels is as follows:
188W
Number Tandragee Households receiving water supplies with an increased fluoride content 1,000 Residents receiving water supplies with increased fluoride content 3,000
Number Holywood Household receiving water supplies with an increased fluoride content 1,400 Residents receiving water supplies with increased fluoride content 3,100 The water supplied to Bangor is not subject to fluoridation.
§ Mr. MallonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representation she has received in relation to fluoridation at Tandaragee and Bangor. [20064]
§ Mr. WorthingtonI have received 15 representations in relation to fluoridation. Five of the representations related to the fluoridation of Tandragee's water supply.
§ Mr. MallonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment has been made of the impact of fluoridation on the(a) dental and (b) general medical health of the population of Tandragee and Bangor. [20066]
§ Mr. WorthingtonNo assessment of the effects of fluoridation have been carried out in Tandaragee or Holywood because the population supplied with fluoridated water is too small for a valid statistical assessment to be made. However observation by general dental practitioners and community dentists indicate the patients in Tandragee and Holywood supplied with fluoridated water enjoy better dental health than those who do not receive fluoridated water.
§ Mr. MallonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on what basis Tandragee and Bangor were selected as the location for the fluoridation of public water supplies.[20068]
§ Mr. WorthingtonFollowing encouragement from Government in 1968 Councils responsible for Tandragee and Holywood agreed to introduce fluoridation schemes in these areas.
The water supplied to Bangor is not subject to fluoridation.
§ Mr. MallonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the Water Service commenced adding flouride compounds to public water supplies at Tandragee and Bangor; and what public consultation preceded such action. [20070]
§ Mr. WorthingtonFluoridation takes place at the water treatment works serving Tandragee and Holywood. These schemes were both introduced by their respective Councils. The Holywood plant became operational in 1970 followed in 1974 with the opening of the Tandragee plant.
The water supplied to Bangor is not subject to fluoridation.