§ Chris GraylingTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how much he is planning to spend on the promotion of nutritional issues in the next 12 months and how much he spent in each of the last five years. [88181]
§ Ms BlearsThe Department of Health's spending plans for 2003–04 for programmes that aim to improve nutrition, including provision and promotion, have not yet been finalised. The Department plans to have spent £130 million in 2002–03, and spent £106 million in 2001–02, £108 million in 2000–01, £114 million in 1999–2000, and £118 million in 1998–99. This comprises the Welfare Foods programme, which is the largest single element; contributions to the Five-a-day programme and the National School Fruit Scheme, the main costs of both of which are at present met by the New Opportunities Fund; the Food in Schools programme; grants to charities promoting nutrition; and support for infant feeding. In addition, initiatives to promote nutrition have been funded by health action zones, sure start, healthy living centres, and through general funding allocations to the national health service.