§ Mr. SwayneTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) pursuant to paragraph 9.11 of the White Paper: "Reducing Health Inequalities: An Action Report", how strong local support is to be defined in respect of the fluoridation of water supplies; and by what mechanisms this support will be measured; [90512]
(2) if he will indemnify water companies which are obliged to add fluoride to water supplies under his proposals against legal claims made by their customers in respect of perceived side-effects; [90513]
(3) what assessment he has made of the extent to which water company operational responsibilities and local authority boundaries coincide; [90511]
§ Ms JowellAs the White Paper indicates, we have commissioned a review of fluoride and health. If it is confirmed that there are benefits to health from fluoridation and no significant risks we would consult the water industry about indemnities and any constraints imposed by the water distribution network. We would then submit to Parliament proposals for amendment to Sections 87 to 91 of the Water Industries Act 1991, which would show how we consider public opinion should be measured and the extent of the public support necessary before a water company would be required to fluoridate.