I WONDER if the report on the effect of fluoride on children's teeth (LET, September 25) was based on scientific experimentation or on purely statistical information.

Take ten children, count all their fillings, divide the total by ten to arrive at an average of one per child, ignore fact that one child had ten fillings and nine had none. Add sodium fluoride to water, take same children count fillings discard one with ten fillings as being unusual and announce the beneficial effect of fluoride.

Unfortunately, too much so-called 'scientific' experimentation is based purely on statistical information and not controlled laboratory testing.

The most important statement in the report seems to have been conveniently overlooked by the health authority, namely that 'The York review also concluded that little high quality research had been carried out on the broader question of fluoride and health.'

Maybe we should wait until this vital research has been carried out before doing something so drastic as adding tons of a highly toxic material to our waste supply.

L LAWES, Bold Street, Blackburn.