The main Parliamentary watchdog, the Public Accounts Committee, has lambasted three Permanent Secretaries – for Health, Education & Skills and Culture, Media & Sport – over the lack of government action to deal with childhood obesity.

They were criticised for "talking drivel" and for the failure to direct funds or programmes to respond to the crisis.

In particular, Committee Chairman Edward Leigh MP attacked the top ranking officials over their plan for schools to weigh and measure children but not tell parents the results.

ISPAL interim chief executive David Teasdale said: "The sport, parks & leisure industry already carries out much of the government's agenda to keep kids active and healthy, and we all stand ready to do much more; but the leadership and guidance from government is essential.”