Written question asked by Ian Gibson (Labour) on Thursday, 15 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 26 March 2001. It was answered by Yvette Cooper (Labour) on Monday, 26 March 2001 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the requirement for water in the (a) dietary needs and (b) intellectual achievements of young people in schools.

Answer: Dr. Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the requirement for water in the (a) dietary needs and (b) intellectual achievements of young people in schools. [154646] Yvette Cooper: All schools are required to provide safe drinking water, which is a basic requirement for good health. The Department has not assessed the influence of water on the intellectual achievements of young people. However, compulsory National Nutritional Standards for school lunches, which will be in force from 1 April 2001, recommend that drinking water should be available to all pupils every day, free of charge. Breaks within the school day give children ample opportunity to drink water and maintain their fluid intake.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 154646; 365 c455W;365 c457W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Health education Drinking water Pupils Nutrition Water School meals
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk