Child Health: Play

Lord Addington Excerpts

Monday 12th October 2015 Lords Chamber

[Lord Prior of Brampton]

Clearly, my noble friend is right: nutrition and diet are fundamental to the whole debate about obesity. That does not alter the fact that exercise is also very good for you.

[Lord Addington (LD)]

My Lords—

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord Prior of Brampton]

The noble Baroness makes a powerful and strong point. All I can do is agree with her 100%.

[Lord Addington]

My Lords—

[Baroness McIntosh of Hudnall]

My Lords—

[Baroness Stowell of Beeston]

My Lords, I suggest on this occasion that we go to the Lib Dems as this Question started with the Lib Dems, although I acknowledge that there were two Conservative speakers in a row, which should not have happened.

[Lord Addington]

My Lords, does the Minister agree that if we are dealing with a sports policy that talks about competitive sport, getting some idea of creative play and competitiveness within play is vital? If we have a sports policy, it must have a foundation based on something like my noble friend suggested.

[Lord Prior of Brampton]

There is no question that competitive sports have a huge role to play, but many children do not wish to participate in competitive sports, so having resources and time made available for less competitive activities such as yoga, pilates or dance is also very important.