Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Baroness Blackwood of North Oxford and Margaret Ferrier

Tuesday 21st March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Nicola Blackwood]

As I mentioned, we will be publishing the reformulation baselines against which all future success will be measured. They will include measurement across all industry targets. In addition, we will of course have the voluntary healthy rating scheme for primary schools to recognise and encourage their contribution to preventing obesity.

[Margaret Ferrier (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (SNP)]

T1. If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Baroness Blackwood of North Oxford and Margaret Ferrier

Tuesday 20th December 2016 Commons Chamber

[Nicola Blackwood]

Yes.

[Margaret Ferrier (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (SNP)]

Certain supermarkets persist in placing less healthy foods on promotion near the entrances to their stores, where they are unavoidable. Does the Minister agree that it is not just at checkouts that healthy options should be promoted, and that retailers should exercise more responsibility?

[Nicola Blackwood]

I absolutely agree that putting healthier options near checkouts and helping people to make healthier choices are part of retailers’ responsibilities. What has been notable in my discussions with retailers is that the penny is starting to drop that this is the direction of travel and what the public want, and I think we are going to start seeing a real sea change in the way retailers are advertising.