§ Mr. Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans the Government has to designate a single body to co-ordinate work across government in tackling obesity. [163600]
§ Miss Melanie Johnson: The Department takes the lead on work to tackle obesity. However, the Department cannot tackle obesity alone. Cross-governmental working is essential. The Government launched their major consultation on public health this month. The Public Health White Paper will provide the overarching framework to improve public health and will present real opportunities to progress work on the prevention and management of overweight and obesity.
The consultation will enable a wide range of stakeholders to contribute to the debate on overweight and obesity. This will build on the work already started through the food and health action plan and the activity co-ordination team. The Government will draw up their White Paper in the light of the consultation.