Written question asked by John Greenway (Conservative) on Thursday, 1 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 6 March 2001. It was answered by Baroness Hoey (Labour) on Tuesday, 6 March 2001 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what plans he has to appoint a joint special advisor between his Department and the Department of Health; what plans he has to encourage physical activity (a) amongst young people and (b) in society to tackle increasing levels of obesity; if he will set joint targets with the Department for Health for the promotion of physical activity.

Answer: Mr. Greenway: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what plans he has to appoint a joint special adviser between his Department and the Department of Health; [152536] (2) what plans he has to encourage physical activity (a) among young people and (b) in society to tackle increasing levels of obesity; [152531] (3) if he will set joint targets with the Department for Health for the promotion of physical activity. [152535] Kate Hoey: My Department is working closely with the Department of Health to encourage physical activity, and we will consider the potential for developing joint targets and joint appointments. We have also been working together with the Department for Education and Employment to develop a number of initiatives to improve opportunities for children to enjoy sport in schools including an intention to offer school children an entitlement to two hours per week of high-quality PE and sporting activity within and around the school day. We are consulting on how best to do this. In addition, DCMS is part of the Inter-Ministerial Group to Improve Children's Diet and Activity which is considering cross-departmental action to promote the health benefits of physical activity and to tackle the increasing levels of obesity.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 364 c206W; 152536;152531;152535
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Children Curriculum Health education Nutrition Physical education Obesity Schools Sports Department for Education and Employment Departmental coordination Department of Health Exercise Children's Diet and Activity Ministerial Group
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk