§ Mr. Win GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about the impact of(a) the fluoridation of water and (b) the cessation of fluoridation of water in Anglesey on the dental health of children; and what studies his Department has conducted on the impact of fluoridation and of the withdrawal of fluoridation on the general health of the population. [75316]
Mr. Jon Owen JonesThe topping up of water supplies with fluoride to one part per million reduces tooth decay in young children by at least 50 per cent. and confers lifelong oral health gains. Since the cessation of fluoridation in Anglesey, tooth decay in young children there has increased by 168 per cent.
Respondents to the Welsh Office Green Paper "Better Health, Better Wales", published in May 1998, were overwhelmingly in favour of fluoridation. The Welsh Office is considering the responses in conjunction with other health departments which have undertaken similar consultation exercises.
Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.