Written question asked by Martyn Jones (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 29 January 1997. It was answered by Baroness Browning (Conservative) on Wednesday, 29 January 1997 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: What assessment he has made of the benefits to public health of urban food growing.

Answer: Mr. Martyn Jones: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessments he has made of the benefits to public health of urban food growing; and if he will make a statement. [13011] Mrs. Browning: The National Food Alliance and SAFE Alliance's joint report, "Growing Food in Cities", published last year, covered the health implications of urban food growing. Although the Department's responsibility for food growing relates primarily to food production on a commercial scale, which tends to be undertaken by agricultural and horticultural enterprises situated in predominantly rural and farming areas, we did respond to the report's recommendations. Our response focused primarily on the Government's commitment to the production of organically grown food, the measures we have taken to encourage conversion to organic farming and Government support for the local marketing of produce. Although our response did not specifically cover public health aspects, we would welcome any increase in urban food production that contributed to the uptake of a healthy and balanced diet.

Secondary information