15 Jan 2013

Dr Julian Lewis Parliament Question

Health Authorities

Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what guidance his Department has issued to strategic health authorities on the initiation of policies which their successor local authorities are deemed likely to reverse; and if he will place in the Library a copy of any such guidance; [136179]

14 Jan 2013 : Column 614W

(2) how many strategic health authorities are in the process of initiating schemes to fluoridate drinking water; what steps their successor local authorities would have to take if they wished to cancel any such schemes; whether such successor authorities would need to undertake another consultation exercise before cancelling such a scheme; and if he will make a statement. [136180]

Anna Soubry: The Department has not issued any such guidance, but we are aware of one strategic health authority that is proceeding to implement a fluoridation scheme. NHS South of England is implementing a scheme to cover parts of Southampton and South West Hampshire. Last November the Department completed a consultation on the content of regulations on the arrangements for consideration of proposals on the fluoridation of water including proposals to terminate a fluoridation scheme. Our intention is to lay the regulations in February, in time for them to come into force on 1 April 2013 when responsibility for consultations on fluoridation proposals transfers to local authorities.

1 comment:

Cllr Chris said...

Where can I get a look at these proposed fluoridation regulations? It could be something. But knowing the form, just as likely to be nothing - or might even make matters worse.