HL Deb 03 June 2003 vol 648 c151WA
Baroness Byford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they propose to introduce compulsory fluoridation of water throughout England. [HL2878]

Lord Whitty:

The Government have no proposals to introduce compulsory fluoridation of water throughout England. However, the Government are currently giving consideration to supporting a proposal in the Commons, embodied in Early Day Motion 247, for amendments to the Water Bill, which would require water companies to accede to requests from strategic health authorities to fluoridate drinking water in areas where the local population was in favour, and it was technically feasible.

Baroness Byford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether a free vote on water fluoridation will be given to Members of Parliament in advance of the Water Bill completing its passage through (a) the House of Lords and (b) the House of Commons. [HL2879]

Lord Whitty:

If a proposal is brought forward in either House for Water Bill amendments to the provisions in the Water Industry Act 1991 relating to water fluoridation, consideration will be given to whether there should be free vote on the government side. How others may Whip is a matter for them.