Asked by: Baroness Cavendish of Little Venice (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to update the definition of unhealthy food products that are high in fat, salt or sugar (HFSS) in relation to the regulation of HFSS advertising on television.
Answered by Lord Ashton of Hyde
We are working closely with the Department of Health and Social Care as the lead department on the development of the updated Nutrient Profile Model, which is currently out for public consultation.
The adoption of the model is a matter for Ofcom and the Advertising Standards Authority.
Asked by: Baroness Cavendish of Little Venice (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to reduce the advertising of unhealthy foods to children (1) online, and (2) on television.
Answered by Lord Ashton of Hyde
There is a clear need to address childhood obesity on health and social justice grounds and this government is committed to tackling the issue and supporting people in making healthy choices.
The UK currently places strong restrictions on the advertising of foods high in fat, salt or sugar (HFSS) in media. New rules came into effect in July 2017 banning the advertising of HFSS food or drink products in children’s media. These restrictions complement similar measures already in place for broadcast media where advertising of HFSS products is prohibited, during, before and after programmes directed to or likely to appeal to children. This is in addition to rules that apply across broadcast media that adverts must not be used to condone or encourage poor nutritional habits or unhealthy lifestyles in children, prohibiting for example the use of character/celebrity endorsements.
The Secretary of State has regular discussions with his ministers and Cabinet colleagues on a number of issues pertaining to broadcasting, including advertising regulation, and our public health priorities are kept under review as we remain committed to ensuring that the UK has a robust approach.
Asked by: Baroness Cavendish of Little Venice (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to extend the powers of the Information Commissioner to investigate companies which harvest large quantities of data from individuals.
Answered by Lord Ashton of Hyde
The government wants a 'gold standard' data and privacy regulator that can enforce data protection laws. We are committed to ensuring the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has sufficient powers to meet this ambition. The government's Data Protection Bill will strengthen legislation around data protection and give the ICO tougher powers to ensure organisations comply.
At every amending stage we have listened and amended the Bill where a strong case has been made (such as the new provision to protect children's data rights inserted at Lords Report; and the provision to ensure that data is shared for safeguarding purposes inserted at Commons Committee). We are currently considering whether amendments are needed to further strengthen the Information Commissioner's powers.