Bolton’s ‘No’ to MP’s fluoride survey

20 June 2008

Bolton North East MP David Crausby has received an overwhelming ‘No’ vote from his constituents when he asked them whether Bolton’s water should have fluoride added.

Responding to the question in Mr. Crausby’s latest Parliamentary Report 95.8% of people were against the addition of fluoride with only 4.2% in favour.

Commenting on the response, he said:

"The survey only went out to people in my constituency of Bolton North East but thanks to the Bolton News reporting the fact that I was asking people for their views on fluoride I have received letters from across Bolton and even from Bury and Manchester. People have even taken the unprecedented step of calling in at my constituency office to register their concern on the issue.”
The 2003 Water Act gave the power to Strategic Health Authorities to require water companies to fluoridate water supplies, but only if requested to do so by one or more of its constituent Primary Care Trusts and only if, after comprehensive consultation exercise the SHA thought it proper to use its powers under the Act.

Mr. Crausby added:

“My concern has always been that ordinary people will not be consulted and I still believe this to be the case. I have consistently called for a referendum so that my constituents can be consulted before they are forced to drink fluoridated water. I have never argued the positive or negative effects of fluoridation but I think people have a right to choose. Bolton had a referendum on this issue in 1968 when 82% of the electorate voted so I am delighted that in 2007 Bolton Council committed themselves to another referendum. I am sure the turnout will be just as enthusiastic.”

“The situation at the moment is that the North West PCTs have formed a Fluoridation Evaluation Group to decide how they will consult. This is worrying because I believe that all 12 members of the panel are pro-fluoride. Earlier this year I asked the question as to who on the panel is anti-fluoride but to date I have not received a reply. Opposing fluoridation is a very, very difficult task especially when you are up against the heavily financed pro-fluoride lobby but I shall continue to fight for all my constituents to be consulted on this issue and I would like to thank the hundreds of people who have taken the time to write to me with their concerns.”

Mr. Crausby has pledged to take the issue to the Secretary of State for Health and will pass on some of the comments he received from constituents in his survey as well as the overall result.