Fluoride in milk move to improve dental health

He believes that, by that method, parents would have a clear choice whether they want their children to take it.

As the debate about the issue intensifies, he has urged the Government to back local referenda on the issue before there is any attempt to put the chemical in water supplies.

The Bolton North-east MP has put down a Commons motion welcoming Health Secretary Frank Dobson's proposal to conduct a review of the safety and benefits of fluoridation

But he says the water companies should only use the chemical where there is local support for doing so and says that Bolton's referendum on the issue in 1968 is an example that should be followed before North West Water or other companies take the action.

Bolton is the only council in Britain to hold such a vote and on a turn-out of 82pc, 73pc of voters (63,290) opposed the move with 27pc (23,596) supporting it.

There were 402 spoiled papers, and the BEN telephone poll registered that 95pc of callers were against water fluoridation. In his Commons motion, Mr Crausby "calls upon the Government to encourage local authorities to take a lead from Bolton and consult with the public before they decide to fluoridate the water supply."

Mr Crausby has sided with Home Secretary Jack Straw who opposes fluoridation in public water supply claiming it is "mass medication".

Mr Crausby has always stressed that he does not argue with experts who say fluoride can fight dental decay. But he is vigorously opposed to adding it to tapwater, which would leave no freedom of choice.

But his Bolton South-east colleague Dr Brian Iddon, while welcoming the review, is generally in favour of the move - although he too believes it needs public support.

Mr Crausby has his own solution: "The Government have made it clear that they want to promote fluoridation to benefit the nation's dental health.

"I have no problem with that, but I believe that the dental health of children could be addressed by adding fluoride to school milk.

"Some drinking water already contains natural fluoride. It is also present in fruit drinks and toothpaste and may other products. "We presently have a right to choose, but, if fluoride is added to public drinking water, we will lose this right.

"Fluoride is an expensive process to set up and maintain over the years and it will inevitably cost several millions of pounds for each health authority region.

"Good sense dictates that major decisions of this nature require a widespread consultation process.

"For many years, the public has listened to the fluoride debate without having the opportunity to take part in it. We must extensively engage them in this."

Currently North West Water, part of United Utilities, is refusing a request of any local health authority to fluoridate water.

Dr Iddon said: "I welcome the review and the Government is entirely right to try and update the science and our knowledge.

"If there is no evidence of dangers, I would remain in favour of putting fluoride in water."

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