§ Earl Baldwin of Bewdleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What were the terms of reference given to the NHS Centre for Reviews and Dissemination at the University of York for conducting the systematic scientific review of the efficacy and safety or water fluoridation; and whether these have since been varied; and [HL58]
Whether it remains their policy to await the findings of the systematic scientific review of water fluoridation currently being carried out before deciding whether to bring in further legislation in this area. [HL59]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Lord Hunt of Kings Heath)The review began in June and its aim is to assess the evidence on the efficacy and safety of population-wide drinking water fluoridation strategies to prevent caries. To achieve this aim four objectives have been identified:
- (a) Assessment of the effectiveness of fluoridation of public water supplies in preventing caries.
- (b) If fluoridation is effective, what is the effect over and above that offered by the use of alternative interventions and strategies.
- (c) Assessment of the safety of fluoridation.
- (d) Determination of whether fluoridation results in reduction of caries across social groups and between geographical locations.
In addition, information on cost-effectiveness will be collected where it is available and if possible a cost-effective analysis will be constructed.
There have been no changes to the review's terms of reference. No decisions will be taken in advance of the findings of the scientific review.