Fluoride to be added to tap water

Tuesday, 11 November 2003 12:00 AM

The Government is to introduce more fluoride into the tap water supply in England and Wales, in a bid to improve the quality of children's teeth.

In a free vote during the third reading of the Water Bill yesterday, the Government got its way despite a sizeable lobby of MPs opposed to the "mass medication" of consumers without individual consent.

The measure was passed by 284 to 181, a majority of 103.

Under plans, water firms will be forced to add fluoride to local water supplies after consultation with local people.

The Department of Health says extra fluoride in tap water helps to prevent tooth decay.

But anti-fluoridation pressure groups vowed to launch legal action against the decision at the European Court.

Jane Jones of the National Pure Water Association said mass fluoridation was "forbidden" under human rights legislation.

Campaigners say fluoride can cause cancer, osteoporosis and genetic changes.

In the House of Commons yesterday, foreign secretary Jack Straw, international development secretary Hilary Benn, Welsh Nationalist MP Simon Thomas and Tory leader Michael Howard all voted against the policy.

Former health secretaries Labour's Alan Milburn and Frank Dobson both backed the clause.

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