News story

30th July 2003

MP CONSULTS OVER FLUORIDATION

Northavon MP Steve Webb has launched a major consultation of the views of local people about Government plans to allow health authorities to require water companies to add fluoride to the water supply.   He has e-mailed 1200 local residents for their views and has also invited local people to write in with their opinions.   Early indications are that local residents are deeply divided about the proposals.

In September 2003, MPs will be voting on the Government's "Water Bill".  This includes a proposal that Strategic Health Authorities should be able to require local water companies to increase the fluoride content of the water supply, provided that this is the expressed view of a majority of local residents in a full public consultation.  The Health Authority would then indemnify the water company against any future legal action in this area.