HC Deb 04 May 1995 vol 259 cc428-9
10. Mr. Cohen

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what new policies his Department has adopted following the last report by the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food Policy. [20945]

Mrs. Browning

The report does not require any major adaptations to existing policies, but we shall take account of it as necessary.

Mr. Cohen

Are not the Government treating that important committee report like an old limp chip—left in the wrapping, thrown in the bin and forgotten about—when the dietary health problems remain? Britain has one of the highest levels of heart disease among comparable western nations, and we also have a higher rate of premature death in both men and women. Dietary causes are among the reasons. Should not the Government take real action by giving a much higher profile to dietary health education and forcing food producers to put less fat and salt in their products?

Mrs. Browning

The hon. Gentleman is such a dear old-fashioned thing. If he kept up to date with what is going on, he could not help noticing that the Government have produced "The Health of the Nation" White Paper, which not only comprehensively analyses what has happened, especially with regard to heart disease and fat intake in diet, but has set measurable targets. The food industry has been most helpful in trying to meet the targets. I do not know why all that has bypassed the hon. Gentleman, but that is what has actually been happening.

Sir Jerry Wiggin

In view of my hon. Friend the Minister's robust reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Colchester, North (Mr. Jenkin)—in which she rightly let us know that the Government are not seeking to interfere with the dietary requirements of individuals—would it not be better to consign the report to the bin, since mass caterers unfortunately tend to read it, unlike the rest of the population who carry on regardless?

Mrs. Browning

Any member of the Government or the Opposition telling individuals what they should and should not eat is not the best way to influence them. We welcome the committee's report on nutritional aspects of cardiovascular disease as it provides a useful review of the science, and also suggests guidelines for dietary advice. People who are providing food for their families and themselves must take those decisions for themselves.