The Health Minister is to be quizzed about the statistics from a dental health survey in Tynwald next week.

In a written question, Rushen MHK Quintin Gill (pictured) asks Eddie Teare why the DHSS chose to re-release its findings last month and wants to know when they were first brought out.

According to the survey, over half of the Island's five year olds suffered from tooth decay.

James Davis reports (audio file attached):

The DHSS is pushing to have fluoride added to the Island's water supply as a way of combating tooth decay on the Island.

Opponents of fluoridation cite dental fluorosis - or mottling of the teeth - as one of the reasons for not adding it.

In his other question for the Minister, Quintin Gill wants to know how much money has been spent on treating the condition in each of the last five years.

Mr Gill is one of the Government's most vocal critics of the proposals.