Written question asked by Alan Simpson (Labour) on Tuesday, 11 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 November 2003. It was answered by Melanie Johnson (Labour) on Thursday, 20 November 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what research he has commissioned into the effect on childhood obesity of access to healthy foods.

Answer: Alan Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research he has commissioned into the effect on childhood obesity of access to healthy foods. [138729] Miss Melanie Johnson: The Department carries out research and development activity related to diet, nutrition, physical activity and obesity, including the recently completed research initiative on nutrition funded through the Department's policy research programme. Research includes the systematic reviews about the uptake of physical activity and healthy eating by children and young adults. As part of the Five-a-Day programme, research was undertaken to test the feasibility and practicalities of evidence-based community approaches to improve access to fruit and vegetables. Evaluation of the National School Fruit Scheme will also assess the impact on children's diet.

Secondary information