Fluoride inquiry part of Labour's health plans

Labour Party Leader Phil Goff. Photo / APN

Labour has promised to hold an inquiry into the divisive issue of adding fluoride to drinking water supplies to prevent tooth decay.

The Ministry of Health, serving both Labour and National administrations, has long advocated fluoridation as a "safe, effective and affordable way to prevent and reduce tooth decay across the whole population".

More than half of New Zealanders live in areas of fluoridated water supplies, but it is up to local councils to decide whether to add the chemical, and some are turning against the practice. Last month, the New Plymouth District Council voted to cease fluoridation.

In its health policy, released yesterday, the Labour Party said that in government it would "hold an independent inquiry into the fluoridation of drinking water, with a view to developing a national policy on fluoridation as a national dental health measure".

Health spokesman Grant Robertson said he personally supported fluoridation.

Asked if the intention to write a national policy indicated the possibility of mandatory fluoridation, he said, "I'm not going to pre-judge that."

Greens health spokeswoman Sue Kedgley said her party supported "alternatives to mass-medication of water" - dental hygiene and reducing high-sugar foods and drinks - and local decision-making on fluoridation.

"It shouldn't be imposed on all New Zealanders through some national standard."

Mr Robertson said health funding had not kept up with inflation and population growth and ageing under National.

Labour would stop that, he said, but he could not put a dollar figure on it until in government.

Health Minister Tony Ryall said: "Is that it? After three years of criticising everything we've done, all Labour can come up with is a copy of our free under-6s after-hours policy and a promise to borrow more money."

Keeping NZ well

Labour's health policy promises:

* An inquiry into fluoridation of drinking water.

*Free primary care, 24/7, for children under 6.

*An end to what it says is National's "under-funding" of health.

*Tighter controls on alcohol, including minimum prices, advertising restrictions and a lower drink-driving tolerance.

*The end of "post-code" access to elective surgery.