§ Baroness Anelay of St Johnsasked Her Majesty's Government:
What are their plans to publish a national physical activity strategy; and [HL1613]
What is their response to the recommendation by the National Audit Office that the Department of Health should lead the development of a new cross-government strategy to promote the health benefits of physical activity. [HL1676]
§ Lord Hunt of Kings HeathThe Government recognise that there is a need to ensure that national and local programmes to promote physical activity are114WA co-ordinated and that health outcomes are identified, and are developing a strategic approach.
Regular physical activity has demonstrable health benefits including reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease mortality in general and of coronary heart disease mortality in particular, preventing or delaying the development of high blood pressure, helping to control weight and diabetes, reducing the risk of falls and accidents and reducing the risk of depression.
The NHS Plan, the Cancer Plan and the National Service Frameworks for Coronary Heart Disease and Older People all include action at national and local levels to increase physical activity.
The Committee of Public Accounts hearing on the National Audit Office report Tackling Obesity in England took place on 23 April 2001. Its recommendations are expected shortly and we will be considering future work on physical activity in the light of these.