§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has made to the United Kingdom soft drinks industry about distribution of soft drinks in schools. [155811]
§ Miss Melanie Johnson[holding answer 23 February 2004]: No direct representations to the United Kingdom soft drinks industry about distribution of soft drinks in schools have been made.
The Department of Health-led strand of the "Food in Schools" programme comprises eight pilot projects, which aim to ensure children have access to healthy food choices and drinks throughout the school day. In particular, the work on water provision aims to increase overall consumption of water by pupils in schools by making it more accessible. The healthier vending machines pilot challenges schools and the vending industry to make healthy options available in school vending machines, which includes the provision of healthier drink products.
The results of all eight pilot projects will be brought together in a 'whole school approach' and made available to schools across England from the beginning of 2005 to assist them in providing a wider range of healthier foods and drinks for pupils.
The Food Standards Agency has undertaken a pilot in schools on healthier drink vending, which will feed into the "Food in Schools" programme.