§ Mr. KidneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of recent research concerning consumption of milk in childhood reducing the risk of osteoporosis in later life; and whether he has discussed with Ministers in the Department for Education and Employment the availability of milk for children in schools. [17160]
686W
§ Ms JowellAn expert group of the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy (COMA) is currently considering the recent research on the nutritional aspects of bone health and COMA is expected to publish a report next year.
The Departments of Health and for Education and Employment, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Intervention Board Executive Agency have jointly considered the provision of school milk. Ministers from these Departments have met twice to discuss the issues and we intend to meet again soon.
The Department continues to advise that milk is an important source of calcium and should be included as part of a healthy and balanced diet for children. Physical activity has been shown to be important in preventing osteoporosis in later life and the Department is currently funding the "Active for Life" physical activity campaign.