Folic Acid - Question – in the House of Lords

Lord McColl of Dulwich Conservative

My Lords, as fluoride has been added to drinking water to reduce dental caries, surely the Minister agrees that preventing spina bifida is more important, as a former colleague of mine, Professor Richard Smithells, pointed out nearly 60 years ago. Is it not time to act?

Lord Bethell The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care

My Lords, I take on board the point that it is time to act. That is why we are working hard on the matter. As I said, I hope to return to the House on this soon.