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12
Although demonstration trials have been proceeding in some areas in this country since
1956 there is no indication of any immediate Government pronouncement of national policy. My
Council, after considering representations from a local organisation, were of opinion that the
experience gained in other countries was sufficient to justify the immediate implementation of a
policy to bring the fluoride content of water up to an approved standard. They accordingly made
representations to the Ministry of Health and to the Metropolitan Water Board. In addition the
support was sought of local authorities whose districts were served by the Metropolitan Water
Board. Thirty agreed with Tottenham's view and a further three gave conditional support, but
the Metropolitan Water Board were not prepared to act until some Government pronouncement was
made in the light of experience gained in the demonstration areas. The Ministry replied that in
view of the fact that the demonstrations at present taking place have only been running for a
comparatively short period, the Government would not wish to give any general encouragement
to the initiation of new fluoridation schemes for the time being. At the same time the Ministry
advised that because of the highly controversial nature of this measure there should be a long
period of preparation particularly in the field of public relations before the introduction of
fluoridation.
The comments of the Board and the Ministry were received with regret by this authority,
and further representations for a speedier action were also unsuccessful. It is noted from the
38th Report of the Board's Director of Water Examination, Dr. E. Windle Taylor, that experimental
trials have been proceeding to find the most accurate and efficient technique for supplementing
the natural fluoride content, if and when the Board so decide.
Drainage and Sewerage
Separate soil and surface systems of drams and sewers continue to operate in the Borough.
Work on the East Middlesex drainage scheme is still in progress but it is not yet known when the
pumping station will cease to function.
The work on flood relief schemes continues and the benefits of this are now being felt
during the heavy summer storms.