§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment has been made of the effectiveness of fluoridation schemes; and if he will make a statement. [32689]
§ Ms BlearsThe report, "Systematic Review of Water Fluoridation", published by the University of York in October 2000, confirmed that fluoridating water helps to reduce tooth decay, but also identified the need for more good quality research. We have asked the Medical Research Council for advice on how the evidence base might be strengthened and their report is expected in spring 2002.