Jonathan Djanogly, the Member of the Parliament for the Huntingdon Constituency, yesterday spoke on the Second Reading of the Water Bill in the House of Commons. In his speech, Mr Djanogly addressed various water issues including extraction licences which are important for many local businesses, particularly the quarrying businesses around the constituency, and flooding. He also spoke against Government proposals to permit Health Authorities to enforce fluoridation of local water supplies.
Mr Djanogly said:
"Have we really advanced so little that the Government still needs to tell us what we need to put in our tea cups? It seems very sad that, despite potential links to various diseases, the Government seems intent on permitting the indiscriminate mass medication of the country when they are, at best, unsure of the potential consequences.
Clearly, tooth decay amongst children is a problem. But I would suggest that the Government worry more about public health campaigns to address tooth care, balanced nutrition and obesity and sort out the lack of dentists, rather than permit the spiking of our children’s Ribena."
Mr Djanogly also noted:
"There have been many local concerns at last week's announcement by the water industry trade body, Water UK, that average bills will need to rise by more than 30% over a 5 year period.
I am also very concerned with Liberal Democrat plans to introduce compulsory water meters and a new tax on water companies, which could cost a minimum of £40 a year more for households."
Notes
1. Water in Huntingdonshire is currently not fluoridated.
2. Only 10% of the UK population receives fluoridated water. Over 60 Health Authorities have been through the existing consultation process, but none have managed to get their water fluoridated to date.
3. The average 5 year old in Huntingdonshire has an average of 1.23 decayed, missing or filled teeth, which is below the national average."