Fluoride will once again rear its head next week with some in-depth Tynwald questions for the Health Minister.

Onchan MHK Peter Karran is to ask Eddie Teare about the composition of the fluoride which would be added to the Island's water supply, if given the go-ahead.

Meanwhile, Rushen MHK Quintin Gill wants to know many under-18s on the Island have had teeth taken out over the last five years, in a question for written answer.

Edward Oldham reports (audio file attached):

Mr Gill is also asking the Minister whether his department has looked at methods other than fluoridation for reducing the number of extractions and whether it has introduced, or intends to introduce, any of them.

Peter Karran's multi-part question asks whether the substance considered for here would be from medical grade compounds, or industrial waste products which can contain lead, arsenic and radium.

He also wants Mr Teare to make this information available to both ministers and the general public, so an informed decision on the matter can be made.

Mr Karran concludes by asking if it's true the industrial waste extract is used in other jurisdictions which fluoridate and whether adding it to the water supply is seen as a cost-effective way of disposing of the products