To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has for the fluoridation of water supplies; and if he will introduce legislation to require water companies to follow the advice of health authorities on this issue. [9814]

We are currently looking at many aspects of public health policy, including water fluoridation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what studies his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the causes of fluorosis in children; what links have been identified between fluorosis and the fluoridation of water supplies; and if he will make a statement. [5965]

[pursuant to his reply, 2 July 1997, c. 174]: I am now able to provide additional information. The full reply is as follows:The Department of Health has not itself commissioned any research into causes of fluorosis in children. Extensive research over many decades undertaken independently of the Department has confirmed a link between water fluoridation and dental fluorosis, although at a level of one part per million in temperate climates it is considered to be of negligible importance.