To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to identify a champion in his Department to take advantage of the experience and skills developed by members of the Health Living Alliance; and if he will make a statement. (233105)

The Department has supported the Healthy Living Alliance (HLA) with initial set up funding and other help to ensure it has a place alongside other national public health non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The HLA is a member of the Department’s NGO Forum which was set up and funded by the Department to facilitate dialogue between them, and with the Department and other government Departments, and to enable them to contribute to the development of public health policy drawing on their expertise. The Department also has a seat on the forum to facilitate engagement with the NGO sector. There are, however, no plans to provide each NGO with a dedicated champion or contact point.