Health: Obesity

Baroness Hussein-Ece Excerpts
Wednesday 19th October 2011

(13 years, 1 month ago)

Lords Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Earl Howe Portrait Earl Howe
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

The short answer is the ring-fenced public health budget, which will encourage local authorities to look across the piece at their public health responsibilities.

Lord Strathclyde Portrait The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Lord Strathclyde)
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

My Lords, if both noble Baronesses are quick, we can get both in. Can my noble friend speak first, and then the noble Baroness?

Baroness Hussein-Ece Portrait Baroness Hussein-Ece
- Hansard - -

My Lords, unlike the noble Lord, Lord Lawson, I have not really been there and done it, but I am full of admiration for him that he has. However, is it not shocking that 25 per cent of children aged between two and 15 are now classified as obese? Does the Minister share my concern that this serious public health problem is not simply a question of celebrity chefs or of parents being lectured about lunch boxes, it is about educating children and families on how to prepare fresh, healthy food? Is there any evidence that this is being done consistently?

Earl Howe Portrait Earl Howe
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

I agree with my noble friend that it is about educating both children and parents about healthy diets and healthy eating, and encouraging children at school to take up healthy diets.