§ Mr. KidneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the York Review of fluoride in drinking water; and if he will make a statement as to the implications for public policy. [142239]
§ Mr. DenhamThe report of the systematic review of water fluoridation undertaken by the National Health Service Centre for Reviews and Dissemination at the University of York concluded that fluoridating water helps to reduce tooth decay and found no clear evidence of adverse effects on general health.
The report did, however, identify the need for more good quality research and we have asked the Medical Research Council to set up a working group to advise on whether further research in the area of water fluoridation and human health is required. We will be discussing the report with representatives of the water industry. When this action is complete we will review the need for legislation.