Junk ad campaigners introduce new bill

Advocates of a ban on television junk food advertising before 9pm are praising the introduction of a private member's bill to Parliament.

It is the latest move by MPs to put pressure on the Government on the subject and has the backing of the British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research UK.

The The Promotion of Food to Children Bill was due to be presented and get its first reading by Labour's Nigel Griffiths today (Wednesday).

The MP, formerly a consumer affairs minister, said: "There is no single solution to childhood obesity but tougher restrictions on the way unhealthy foods are marketed to children are essential.

"If children are not exposed to sophisticated ads for unhealthy foods, parents will find it easier to encourage healthy eating and the whole country will benefit."

As well as the watershed for television the bill suggests "significant restrictions" on print advertising.

Advertising industry group ISBA said: "Banning advertising will not make children fitter or thinner."

A similar bill was introduced in February but fell in June after a second reading in the House of Lords.