Page 2410 - Week 11 - Thursday, 2 November 1989
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A member: Which man?
MRS GRASSBY: Not Mr Duby, the gentleman who asked the question. I had a feeling I was going to get this today. Traffic signals are not being installed at this intersection as traffic volumes on Jerrabomberra Avenue will be greatly decreased with the opening of the bypass to the new Monaro Highway. The Monaro Highway is expected to be open to traffic in about four weeks, and then Jerrabomberra Avenue south of Hindmarsh Drive will become a cul-de-sac.
Fluoride
MR MOORE: My question is directed to the Minister for Community Services and Health. I understand that the National Health and Medical Research Council has brought down interim findings on fluoride today. Has the Minister been informed of these findings?
MR BERRY: I thank Mr Moore for the question. The National Health and Medical Research Council has indeed made an interim report at its one hundred and eighth session held in Canberra earlier today, and my understanding is that the final report will be available in April or May 1990. While that working party is yet to complete its review of current research literature, in a number of substantial areas it has made the following points and I think these are pretty important, Mr Speaker.
Earlier statements by the National Health and Medical Research Council, that fluoridation of water supplies is a safe and effective means of reducing tooth decay, can be reaffirmed. Tooth decay rates are falling in countries with non-fluoridated as well as fluoridated water supplies. This is thought to be linked with fluoride intake in other forms, but other factors could be involved. The question this raises will be a line for further research by the working party.
The desirability of continuing a mix of universal water fluoridation and widely practised topical fluoride measures - for example, toothpaste - needs to be examined. I can see by the smile on Mr Stevenson's face that he is not happy with the news so far, but - - -
Mr Stevenson: Normally when one smiles one is happy, Wayne.
Mr Whalan: With some exceptions.
MR BERRY: I think this is an exception. But this is about the issue of a full inquiry of many of the issues that Mr Stevenson has raised in the past - and a very responsible inquiry too, I might add. A further question is whether the multiple sources of fluoride ingestions could be
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