First, the practicalities dictate that fluoridating a water supply should be a strategic regional decision, not a local matter.
Most of the worst districts for tooth decay were not fluoridated; a number of these are in the north-west.
Its water supply was fluoridated in 1986; 10 years later the rate of tooth decay in five year-olds has halved.
The review found that the evidence showed that fluoridating water helps to reduce tooth decay.
Natural fluoride concentrations are periodically monitored by the water undertaker in areas which are not artificially fluoridated.
These league tables show that, in general, districts with the best oral health were fluoridated.
There is no difference whatsoever between artificially fluoridated and naturally fluoridated water.
Once that consultation had been carried out, and if there was a local majority, the water company serving that area would be obliged to fluoridate.
