§ Mr. HainTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what initiatives are currently being undertaken by his Department to encourage people to seek a balanced diet; and if he will indicate in each case the cost of that initiative.
§ Mr. SoamesA free booklet is available to the public advising on healthy eating as part of this Department's continuing Foodsense campaign. The publication contains dietary guidelines based on recommendations by the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food Policy. The costs related to the production of this publication so far amount to £99,000. In addition, this Department is involved in the nutrition task force, recently announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health which will draw up a co-ordinated action programme for achieving the dietary targets set out in "The Health of the Nation" White Paper. That programme will involve advising and encouraging the public to change the balance of their diet.