§ Mr. EtheringtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when he expects to(a) receive and (b) publish the results of the Newcastle university research study on the bioavailability of artificial and natural fluoride in drinking water; [172110]
(2) when he expects to receive the Chief Medical and Chief Dental Officers' report (a) on the relevance and priority of the Medical Research Council report on water fluoridation and (b) setting out the alternatives available to residents of fluoridated areas who do not wish to drink fluoridated water; and if he will make a statement. [172112]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonThe report of the research study into the bioavailability of fluoride in naturally and artificially fluoridated drinking water will be placed in the Library when available. The results of the research will enable the Chief Medical and Chief Dental Officer to complete their advice which will cover both research requirements and the conduct of consultations on fluoridating local water supplies. All drinking water contains some fluoride. Strategic health authorities undertaking consultations on proposals to increase the 799W fluoride content will need to take into account the views of any people who do not wish to drink fluoridated water.