HC Deb 18 November 2003 vol 413 cc762-3W
Alan Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what research she has commissioned into the effect of food advertising on levels of childhood obesity. [138741]

Estelle Morris

None. However, the Food Standards Agency has recently published a research review which it commissioned on this subject and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is taking part in their consultations as well as other cross-Government initiatives to tackle obesity, notably the work of the Activity Co-ordination Team, aimed at increasing levels of physical activity.

Alan Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations she has received about(a) childhood obesity and (b) lack of access to sports facilities. [138742]

Estelle Morris

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State regularly receives representations from hon. Members, and members of the public, on these subjects. This reflects the extent of public concern about growing rates of obesity among children, and of interest in community sport and activity facilities.

The Government fully shares both that concern, and that interest. The UK is now the most obese nation in Europe. Sedentary lifestyles—especially among young people—have greatly contributed to that. The Government are already investing substantial amounts in schools and community sports facilities. In schools, the New Opportunities Fund is investing £581 million in school sports facilities in England, and Space for Sport and the Arts is putting £130 million into primary school facilities. In communities, NOF is investing £256 million in healthy living centre projects, and £108.5 million in new community sports facilities. The Government are also investing £459 million in the PE, School Sport and Club Links Project, which aims to increase the proportion of schoolchildren receiving at least two hours a week of high quality PE and school sport to 75 per cent. by 2006.

The cross-Departmental Activity Co-ordination Team will produce a national strategy for physical activity next year.

Alan Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions she has had with other departments about implementing a strategy to tackle childhood obesity. [138743]

Estelle Morris

Nine Government Departments are represented on the Activity Co-ordination Team (ACT) which was set up and is led jointly by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Department of Health (DH) to tackle the increase in obesity rates and physical inactivity.

The group has met twice since 8 July 2003 and is due to meet again on 27 November 2003 under the chairmanship of my right hon. Friend the Minister for Sport and Tourism and my hon. Friend the Minister for Public Health.