Written question asked by Debra Shipley (Labour) on Thursday, 27 January 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 1 February 2005. It was answered by Derek Twigg (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 February 2005 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, when she expects to complete the Government's commitment to consider introducing nutrient-based standards for school meals as set out in the White Paper, Choosing Health: making healthy choices easier.

Answer: Ms Shipley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when she expects to complete the Government's commitment to consider introducing nutrient-based standards for school meals as set out in the White Paper, Choosing Health: making healthy choices easier. [213298] Derek Twigg: The review secondary school meal standards will start in February 2005, with draft standards provided for consultation in the autumn and finalised early in 2006. An expert panel will consider how best to tighten up the standards to reduce pupils' intake of sugar, salt and fats, and increase their consumption of fruit and vegetables. We will undertake a full consultation on the panel's recommendations before a final decision is reached on the format of the revised standards. An evaluation of primary school meals is underway and the report will be published at the end of 2005. A review of primary school standards will follow, and we intend to introduce revised standards, following a full public consultation, in September 2006.

Secondary information