IMMEDIATE RELEASE 4November 2003

NUT welcomes Debra Shipleys Bill to ban fast foodadvertising from childrens television

Commenting on theBill, Doug McAvoy, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said:

This is a welcomeinitiative by Debra Shipley. There hasbeen a major increase in promotions by fast food manufacturers targeteddirectly at children.

It is an issue whichdirectly concerns schools. Poor dietand poor health are two sides of the same coin. The fact that the Bill is being introduced brings a welcome andwider focus on the way schools are being targeted by fast food companies.

The NUTs ownguidance on using commercial materials in schools emphasises the need forcaution about the educational value of commercially sponsored materials and theimportance of weighing the potential impact of such materials on childrenshealth.

EN D S pr.82.03

Note to editors:

The National Union ofTeachers has published guidance on using commercial materials in schools. Education not exploitation is available onrequest from the Unions Press Office.

For furtherinformation contact: OliveForsythe tel: 020 7380 4706 (office) or 07879 480061.