Fluoridation

Mr. Lawrence
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment under what statutory powers water authorities are able to add artificial fluoride to the public water supplies.

Mr. Denis Howell
There are no express statutory powers to fluoridate, but the view has been taken by successive Governments that the addition of fluoride to water at the request of a health authority is consistent with the water authorities' duties under what is now section 11 of the Water Act 1973 and under schedule 3 of the Water Act 1945.