§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has for the fluoridation of water supplies; and if he will introduce legislation to require water companies to follow the advice of health authorities on this issue. [9814]
§ Mr. MilburnWe are currently looking at many aspects of public health policy, including water fluoridation.
§ Mr. McCabeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what studies his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the causes of fluorosis in children; what links have been identified between fluorosis and the fluoridation of water supplies; and if he will make a statement. [5965]
§ Mr. Milburn[pursuant to his reply, 2 July 1997, c. 174]: I am now able to provide additional information. The full reply is as follows:
The Department of Health has not itself commissioned any research into causes of fluorosis in children. Extensive research over many decades undertaken independently of the Department has confirmed a link between water fluoridation and dental fluorosis, although at a level of one part per million in temperate climates it is considered to be of negligible importance.