asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the statutes, including the sections thereof, which authorise expenditure on fluoridation of water supplies.

My right hon. Friend is empowered to introduce fluoridation as part of his preventive health responsibilities under Section 2(2)(e) of the National Health Service Reorganisation Act 1973, and by regulations under Section 7 of that Act these responsibilities are exercised by area health authorities. Authority for defraying expenditure by area health authorities is given by Section 47 of that Act.