THE issue of tap-water fluoridation tends to come up every ten to twelve years in Bolton.

I remember having written a letter on the subject in late eighties, inducing a variety of interesting response.

Today, with a more accessible knowledge base through the internet, our consumers should be better informed to make up their minds once and for all.

My distinguished friend Mr Crausby is absolutely right when he calls for a well-informed debate on the issue and for the authorities to heed consumer view. However, I disagree with him on the need for further knowledge; what will be helpful is to disseminate the existing knowledge in simple language.

The evidence in favour of tap-water fluoridation is massive and has been accrued by a large number of studies carried out by authoritative researchers and public health personnel.

On the basis of this evidence, many authorities have already taken such measures with appreciable improvement in the dental health of all, especially that of the young children.

But fluoridation should not be taken as a panacea; other hygienic and dietary habits should also be pursued.

When people talk about mass medication of drinking water, do they fully realize how intricately our water is treated already to make it safe and hygienic? It is therefore a myth to assume that our water is absolutely unspoilt and natural.

In the interest of the health of the community, a well-tried and well-proven safe and effective cheap measure should be taken. And the people of Bolton should be encouraged to support this.

If, on the other hand, public opinion sadly goes against it, steps MUST be taken to ensure that at least young children up to school-leaving age are provided with fluoridated drinking water at nurseries and schools.

Incidentally, the amount of fluoride needed for this protection is miniscule and therefore entirely safe and devoid of any undesirable effects.

I do not know, whether it would be feasible to target the children with special supply of fluoridated water to schools and what would be its financial implications. The general fluoridation of water seems to be a more sensible, scientific, safe and cheaper option.

Dr Arup Banerjee OBE JP FRCP

Past-medical director & consultant physician

Royal Bolton Hospital

Pilling field, Egerton