The Auditor General Wales is correct to urge “public bodies to sharpen up their efforts” if public health targets are to be met (Fitness Tsar, 7 June 2007).

The issues raised by his report equally apply to Food Policy in Wales which is one of the most recent areas to merge, being joined to physical activity.  Food and fitness are inextricably linked and require close scrutiny by the National Assembly for Wales, local government and civic society.

What is not clear is how linkage will take place, and can real benefits be expected, or will we just end up with the same action points, but merged together with a Food and Fitness title, without the integrated approach required.This should not be dominated by producer interests, but is a real public health measure.

>From a public health perspective, we look forward to responding to the forthcoming internal Welsh Assembly Government ‘Food Quality Strategy’ working group report, and in particular, how they propose addressing cross departmental work at all levels of government, including the identification of who is responsible  and who should take the lead on key issues involving separate government departments. This will be a real measure of joined up government, which I know enjoys cross party support.

David Smith, Welsh Food Alliance