THE Member of Parliament for Bolton North East, David Crausby, has adopted an enlightened response to the threat of fluoridation of the region's water supplies, and is to be complimented.

Those of us who have lived in the Bolton area for many years will recall the result of the referendum in 1968: 73pc against and only 27pc in favour. Of additional significance was the exceptionally high return: from memory an 82pc poll of the electorate which is much higher than many General Election polls. Bolton's poll - probably a unique test of opinion - was held to coincide with the completion of Form A by householders for electoral registration and no doubt helped achieve such a representative result.

On subsequent occasions the Bolton Evening News and organisations have carried out polls: All have shown a very high proportion against.

In the late 80s, when I was a Member of Bolton Council, we held a debate in full council when every councillor, except, I believe, four voted against the addition of fluoride.

In addition to the role played in Bolton and district over the years, a consortium of many North West Councils was formed, whose members expressed their strong opposition to fluoride.

It is to be hoped that David Crausby will be able to persuade his colleagues in Parliament, not least those representing Bolton and neighbouring constituencies, to hold a referendum before presuming to vote on a measure of mass medication demonstrably against the wishes of the great majority.

What better opportunity than to do what Bolton did in 1968 and arrange a nationwide poll in September?

B H Tetlow

Oaks Lane, Bradshaw

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