Obesity (Hansard, 19 September 2002)

§ Mr. Sheerman
To ask the Secretary of State for Health how he plans to reduce levels of childhood obesity. [72044]

§ Ms Blears
Both physical activity and eating habits play a role in overweight and obesity. We have put in place major cross-government programmes of work to ensure that children have access to a healthy diet, and have opportunities to be physically active. This includes £581 million from the new opportunities fund for a new physical education (PE) and sports programme and £42 million to extend the National School Fruit Scheme.
The national healthy school standard, part of the healthy school programme, contains a set of criteria relating to physical activity, and also supports the two hours PE entitlement announced in January 2001. £120 million will support the school sport co-ordinator programme, setting up a network of 1,000 co-ordinators.

§ Mr. Wiggin
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements are in place to raise awareness about the problem of obesity; what recent representations he has received about obesity; and if he will make a statement. [68995]

§ Ms Blears
There are a variety of programmes on promoting healthy eating and physical activity, and reducing overweight and obesity which are being developed as part of the national service framework for coronary heart disease. This includes local Five-a-Day community initiatives, based in deprived areas, which provide education about the health benefits of fruit and vegetables, as well as improved access and availability. To increase awareness of the importance of diet and exercise among children, we have a healthy schools programme that aims to promote better health for all children and young people through education on a range of issues.
The Government also acknowledge the setting up of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Obesity, which will increase political and wider public attention to the issue. There are other organisations and charities such as the British dietetic association, the obesity awareness and solutions trust and weight concern who are raising awareness about the problem of obesity and are supported through the Department's Section 64 Grant Scheme.