Written question asked by Oliver Heald (Conservative) on Wednesday, 3 July 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 July 2002. It was answered by Richard Caborn (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 July 2002 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, when she last met the Secretary of State for Health to discuss the role of sport in tackling the problem of obesity. (Holding answer 8 July 2002).

Answer: Mr. Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she last met the Secretary of State for Health to discuss the role of sport in tackling the problem of obesity. [67937] Mr. Caborn: [holding answer 8 July 2002]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport has not met the Secretary of State for Health formally to discuss obesity, but is involved in the health inequalities cross cutting review discussions chaired by the Department of Health. I chair monthly cross-governmental ministerial meetings, attended by Ministers from the Department of Health, where issues relating to sports policy are discussed, including sport and physical activity initiatives which have a role in combating obesity. The last meeting was held on 2 July. My Department accepts that physical activity has an important role to play in combating the prevalence of obesity. We are committed to increasing the number and quality of opportunities for participation in sport and physical activity by all sectors of the community and especially for pupils in schools, and we are working closely with Department of Health and Department for Education and Skills to help achieve this objective.

Secondary information