In his Labour Party conference address, he signalled that the Governmentwas prepared to act. "(Ten years ago) I would have baulked atrestrictions on advertising junk food to children," Blair told partymembers. "Today I say unless a voluntary code works, we will legislatefor it."
However, Al Aynsley-Green, the children's commissioner for England, feltthat Blair should take action sooner. "A voluntary code is not theanswer," he said.
"A number of supermarkets have not signed up to the voluntary code onfood labelling, so there is no reason to believe that a voluntary codeon advertising junk food would be effective."
Blair's speech took place just minutes after a fringe event at theconference, organised by the National Heart Forum, which saw food firmsclash with party activists over restrictions on unhealthy food.
At the event, Labour MP Helen Goodman called for a full ban onadvertising to children. But James Clarke from Sainsbury's challengedher proposal arguing it did not recognise the work of firms likeSainsbury's in promoting healthy eating.
One Labour Party member at the event proposed the introduction of asugar tax, a move partially endorsed by Jane Landon, deputy chiefexecutive of the National Heart Forum.
