§ Dr. IddonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) on what basis the(a) chair and (b) panel members were chosen for the event organised by the Food Standards Agency in relation to the promotion of foods to children; [152601]
(2)what the cost was of the event held on 27 January by the Food Standards Agency in relation to the promotion of foods to children, identifying the (a) production, (b) planning and (c) staffing costs; what the purpose of this event was; what outcomes were achieved; and if he will make a statement; [152605]
(3)how many people attended the event held by the Food Standards Agency on 27 January in relation to the promotion of foods to children; and how many hon.
1066WMembers attended; and what representations he received from hon. and right hon. Members on changing the date of the event in order to allow them to attend. [152621]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonThe Food Standards Agency (FSA) event, "Defusing the Diet Time Bomb", on the promotion of food to children, was held on the evening of Tuesday 27 January at the QEII centre in Westminster.
The event was part of a series of activities organised by the FSA to promote public debate on the issue of the promotion of food to children, following the publication of the research review commissioned from Professor Gerard Hastings of Strathclyde University in September 2003. In October 2003, the FSA published a paper setting out a range of possible policy options that might be considered as a result of the Hastings findings.
The purpose of the event on 27 January was to provide members of the public with an opportunity to debate the issues publicly with each other and with stakeholders drawn from consumer organisations, the food and advertising industries, public health and children's organisations. A report of the event, along with views gathered at other stakeholder events, will be used to inform the FSA board decisions on what advice to offer to Ministers.
The chair was chosen on the basis that he was independent and fair. The six main panellists were selected to provide a balance of views and a range of expertise and experience to reflect the range of issues under discussion.
Over 450 people attended in person at the QEII centre. 439 viewed the debate online via the FSA 's web-site and an estimated 1,000 watched on digital television.
One noble Member of another place attended. A number of apologies were received from hon. Members but no representations were made by any right hon. or hon. Members to change the date.
The total cost of the event was £147,000, of which £143,500 was allocated to production and a further £3,500 for planning and preparation. Staffing at the event was provided by FSA staff.