§ Miss KirkbrideTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what plans she has to change the current regulations on the advertising of food to children; [145573]
(2) upon what evidence the Government bases its view that the regulation of food advertising to children must be tightened. [145576]
§ Estelle MorrisThe Department has no plans at present to change the rules on the advertising of food to children, but is taking part in the consultations being undertaken by the Food Standards Agency on the possible impact of broadcast advertising on childhood obesity. The Secretary of State has also asked OFCOM to review the adequacy of its codes regulating such advertising, in the light of the conclusions of the FSA Report, the Department of Health's Food and Health Action Plan and the Health Select Committee's inquiry into obesity. It is principally the responsibility of OFCOM to ensure that there is an appropriate code for the regulation of broadcast advertising and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State looks forward to the outcome of their work.