Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of restricting junk food advertisements to children in all forms of media; and what consideration they have given to a ban on such advertisements on television before the 9pm watershed.

We are committed to tackling childhood obesity and supporting people to make healthy choices.

Strict new rules came into effect on 1 July 2017 banning the advertising of high in fat, salt or sugar (HFSS) food or drink products in children’s media. These restrictions apply across all non-broadcast media including in print, cinema, online and in social media.

In addition in August 2017 we announced £5 million investment in a policy research unit on obesity to provide a robust evidence, evaluation and research capability including looking at advertising and promotions.

Advertising is regulated by the independent Advertising Standards Authority and underpinned by consumer protection legislation. This system is independent of the Government. It is vital that the advertising codes reflect the best available evidence of the effect of advertising on the public, and are periodically reviewed to ensure they remain fit for purpose