§ Jackie BallardTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what action his Department has taken and what plans he has to ensure children from atopic families avoid early sensitisation to nut products and that parents and carers are aware of the risk of sensitisation; [96530]
(2) what information his Department issues concerning anaphylaxis and contact between young children and nut products; [96440]
(3) what recent representations he has received from groups concerned about anaphylaxis and the difficulties faced by sufferers in everyday life; [96438]
(4) what representations he has received from leisure providers concerning the use of their facilities, and participation in activities, by sufferers from anaphylaxis. [96654]
§ Jacqui SmithThe Department has not received any recent representations from anaphylaxis groups or from leisure providers. We have issued guidance for schools on "Supporting Pupils with Medical Needs" which contains advice on anaphylaxis. Advice is also available on the joint DfEE and Department of Health Wired for Health website. We will be consulting shortly on draft regulations on new nutritional standards for school lunches. The new standards will allow caterers flexibility to respond to the requirements of children who have allergies to particular foods. I will send a copy of the draft regulations to the hon. Member when they are published. The question about early sensitisation is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health.