§ 35. Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when he last had discussions with the Secretary of State for Education and Skills about the health of school children. [12141]
§ Jacqui SmithWe have regular discussions and our respective Departments work very closely to ensure that the health needs of school children are met. We have also launched a number of joint initiatives including the healthy schools programme. Apart from supporting children with health problems we are committed to ensuring the promotion of child health and development through access to high quality physical education. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced in January that all children will be entitled to a minimum of two hours high quality physical education and sport provision within and beyond the formal curriculum. This commitment is also outlined in the White Paper "Schools: Achieving Success" published in September.