Watford’s fluoridated water may not have been “splashed” in news headlines lately, but it is certainly not being swallowed without a gurgle.
Mr F.W. Farey-Jones, MP for Watford, stirred it up again in the House of Commons on Monday.
He asked the Minister of Health (Mr D.C. Walker-Smith) what report he had received from Watford Corporation in regard to the present “experimental trial of the fluoridation of water supplies.”
“None as yet,” answered the Minister.
“Tens of thousands of people, not only in Watford, regard compulsary fluoridation as an unwarrantable invasion of the liberties of the private subject,” Watford’s member insisted.
The Minister, well aware that “feelings” are aroused by fluoridation, replied: “There is a good deal of misunderstanding about it. Expert advice is that there is no ground for the allegation that fluoridation has any adverse effect on health.”
“On the contrary,” emphasised Dr Edith Summerskill. “Many people would think the people of Watford extremely fortunate.”
[From the Watford Observer of February 20, 1959]
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