§ Mr. Win GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the levels of tooth decay among(a) children and (b) adults in areas where fluoride (i) is and (ii) is not present in drinking water. [145000]
§ Mr. HuttonThe recent independent systematic review of water fluoridation conducted by the University of York Centre for Reviews and Dissemination confirmed that fluoridation reduces tooth decay by, on average, 2.25 teeth per child, and increase by 15 per cent. the proportion of children completely free from tooth decay.
Adults living in fluoridated areas have less tooth decay and keep more of their own teeth for longer than those living in non-fluoridated areas.
§ Mr. Win GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will introduce legislation to allow local communities to take decisions on the fluoridation of drinking water in their areas.[140564]
§ Mr. HuttonSection 89 of the Water Industries Act empowers health authorities to consult on the fluoridation of their water supplies but Section 87 gives the water undertaker discretion over whether or not to accept a request to add fluoride.
We will be discussing the research report of the systematic review of water fluoridation undertaken by the National Health Service Centre for Reviews and Dissemination at the University of York with representatives of the water industry. The Medical Research Council is establishing a working group to advise on whether further research in the area of water fluoridation and human health is required. We will review the need for any changes in the legislation when this action is complete.