WHILE on holiday in Tenerife during February, I read an article on fluoride in a local English language paper.

It appeared that the water table in some boreholes are at an unusual low level.

Consequently, because of the concentration of fluoride in the remaining water supply, the authorities have suggested that young children of eight years or under should not drink this water.

This being due to the possible medical problems this may cause.

I wonder if, like last summer when some areas had "official drought orders imposed" due to low water levels, this may cause concern for children in this country.

I think the mantra given by Tony Blair "Education, Education, Education", and in particular dental health education, should be highlighted.

In view of the fact that this Government would not accept a report for smoking because the research and report was produced by the tobacco industry "thus it was bias", likewise I feel that the reports on fluoride must also not be acceptable, because the research reports have been commissioned and funded by the Fluoride Waste Industry, and must equally be bias.

Being in my early 70s, I doubt if any addition of fluoride to the water would have any great problems to me, other than hasten my demise.

John Monaghan (Hon Alderman Bolton MBC) The Cheethams Blackrod