To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what new initiatives her Department is planning in respect of obesity; and if she will make a statement. [8745]

A multi-agency action plan aimed at increasing the levels of physical activity among the sedentary population is presently being developed and people who are obese will be one of the target groups. In addition, "Eating and Health—A food and nutrition strategy for Northern Ireland", which was published in November 1996, aims to improve nutrition including the reduction of obesity in Northern Ireland.