§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the requirement for water in the(a) dietary needs and (b) intellectual achievements of young people in schools. [154646]
§ Yvette CooperAll schools are required to provide safe drinking water, which is a basic requirement for good health. The Department has not assessed the influence of water on the intellectual achievements of young people. However, compulsory National Nutritional Standards for school lunches, which will be in force from 1 April 2001, recommend that drinking water should be available to all pupils every day, free of charge. Breaks within the school day give children ample opportunity to drink water and maintain their fluid intake.