Evidence of meeting #40 for Health in the 39th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was school.
A recording is available from Parliament.
12:15 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Rob Merrifield
We'll go on to Ms. Chow.
You have five minutes. Please go ahead.
12:15 p.m.
NDP
Olivia Chow NDP Trinity—Spadina, ON
Speaking about sharing and plagiarizing, I understand that Ofcom, which is the Office of Communications, said late last fall that they're going to prohibit ads for foods and beverages high in fat, salt, and sugar for all TV programs that appeal to children under the age of 16; the use of celebrities and characters licensed from third parties, such as cartoons; and claims will also be prohibited in ads.
I understand it's supposed to start in early 2007. Is that happening yet?
Then I have another question about funding.
12:15 p.m.
Minister of State (Sport), Department for Culture, Media and Sport, House of Commons of the United Kingdom
Yes, it has started. Ofcom announced the new rules on November 17, 2006, which will be published in March. There will be full implementation on July 1.
There'll be no what we call fat, salt, and sugar advertising in children's programs, including those for pre-school children; no HFSS advertising on dedicated children's channels; no HFSS advertising on programs of particular appeal to children under 16; no celebrities or licensed characters to be used in ads for those; and no nutritional health claims in the fat, sugar, and salt ads aimed primarily at children.
They are very specific, and Ofcom's assessment is that this package of rules will reduce children's exposure to advertising's impact by 41% for 5- to 15-year-olds and 51% for 5- to 9-year-olds. That will commence operation later this year.
12:20 p.m.
NDP
Olivia Chow NDP Trinity—Spadina, ON
Wow. Congratulations on that. That's reducing children's exposure to ads by a huge percentage.
On another front, I understand there is a proposal in front of your Parliament for £240 million to subsidize healthy ingredients for children's food, meal programs in schools. How is that coming along? I understand it's a proposal. Is it approved yet? What's the chance of it coming into effect?
I know you're already investing a huge amount of money in school meal programs, but this sounds like an additional £240 million.
12:20 p.m.
Minister of State (Sport), Department for Culture, Media and Sport, House of Commons of the United Kingdom
Jamie Oliver was the chef who went in, and when the Prime Minister asked him, he went around to do the survey.
There's a big investment now going into children's school meals, as we call them. The increase in the subsidy on those meals is what you're referring to, and those figures are exact. The increase means that hopefully they can get a more balanced diet into schools.
To a large extent, this was driven by Jamie Oliver's intervention, which got quite a lot of publicity, and subsequently we changed the investment in school meals.
12:20 p.m.
NDP
Olivia Chow NDP Trinity—Spadina, ON
Has that already been approved, so it's coming online and not just a proposal?
12:20 p.m.
Minister of State (Sport), Department for Culture, Media and Sport, House of Commons of the United Kingdom
Yes, it's on course now, it and started in the 2005-06 financial year.
12:20 p.m.
NDP
Olivia Chow NDP Trinity—Spadina, ON
My understanding is that the £240 million is the addition that came online. What is the total amount you spent on school meal programs, or is that a percentage increase?
12:20 p.m.
Minister of State (Sport), Department for Culture, Media and Sport, House of Commons of the United Kingdom
I don't know, but I will make sure that all the figures for the investment in school meals, both baseline and additional, are sent to the clerk of your committee.
I don't have those figures at my fingertips; it's not my department. I'll make sure those figures are furnished to your committee.
12:20 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Rob Merrifield
Thank you very much, Minister.
We look forward to that information. We thank you for spending the time with us this morning. It's late afternoon there.
12:20 p.m.
Minister of State (Sport), Department for Culture, Media and Sport, House of Commons of the United Kingdom
I'm just going out for dinner.
12:20 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Rob Merrifield
I certainly appreciate your making time in your day to be able to present to us. It was very interesting and informative. Thank you very much.
Thank you, committee members, for good questioning.
12:20 p.m.
Minister of State (Sport), Department for Culture, Media and Sport, House of Commons of the United Kingdom
Thank you very much.
12:20 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Rob Merrifield
Thank you.
We'll take up the discussion on the report at another time in the future.
We call this part of the meeting adjourned.