Minister are to seek a voluntary ban on the advertising of junk food to children in an attempt to defuse a government dispute over tackling obesity in Britain, it has been reported.

They also hope that the move will help to head off criticism from a committee of MPs, which will this week criticise the government for doing too little to stem the rising levels of obesity.

Government Response: Department of Health

A spokesman for the Department of Health said: "A variety of ideas are being floated around in response to the consultation on obesity, but until the white paper is published we can't really comment on the outcome of the proposed initiatives."

Party Response: Conservative

Tim Yeo, shadow secretary for health, said: "The government’s approach to tackling obesity has been disastrously muddled.  We are all tired of hearing about new initiatives, be they committees, obesity summits, consultation papers, 'big conversations' or proposals like a fat tax. 

"After seven years in office, Labour should have some answers.

"What we need is a central coherent strategy to link together all the different department initiatives and a public health commissioner to ensure that it is delivered."

Forum Response: Direct Marketing Association