Randerson's Private Measure gives committee food for thought

2.26.40pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 12th May 2008

Jenny Randerson is the first non-government AM to bring forward a Measure

Tomorrow sees the first meeting of an Assembly committee to scrutinise Jenny Randerson's Proposed Measure to introduce healthier school meals. The Cardiff Central AM's Measure - the first from an AM outside the government - hopes to raise the standards of nutrition in school food across Wales.

Jenny Randerson said:

"I am delighted to see the first Private Member's Measure in the history of the Assembly now going through to the scrutiny stage of our law-making process. This will be an opportunity for Members to dissect every aspect of this Measure and I hope the scrutiny process will ensure this measure works effectively and efficiently.

"This Measure is a real opportunity to introduce new nutritional standards for school meals, based on best practice and research, which would provide children with at least a third of their nutritional needs. Children's nutrition is something that needs urgently addressing if we are to deal with the twin dangers of obesity and poor health.

"Having visited many schools to see best practice, meeting with organisations and individuals on the best way to proceed with the Measure, tomorrow will be a very proud moment for me. I am glad that I have the opportunity of using the Assembly's new law-making powers to make a real difference to the future health of Wales.

"The National Assembly is developing slowly but surely into an institution with the powers to make a real positive difference to people's lives and I hope that my Measure will be seen as a step forward in this process."

Ends/Diwedd

Notes to editor:

Members of the Scrutiny Committee include:

Kirsty Williams (Liberal Democrat)

Jeff Cuthbert (Labour),

Irene James (Labour),

Dai Lloyd (Plaid Cymru),

Alun Cairns (Conservative)

For more information on Jenny Randerson's Measure see

http://www.assemblywales.org/bus-home/bus-legislation/proposed_health_eating_in_schools_measure.htm