Oliver presents obesity crisis plan

The campaigning culinary television presenter will give evidence to the cross-party health committee as part of its inquiry into how to reduce inequalities across the country.

Last month, Oliver set out an anti-obesity "manifesto", in which he called for more cookery education and Government-funded food centres in every town.

In a letter to ministers, he warned of "devastating consequences" of inaction for the NHS - saying weight problems cost the health service £4.2 billion a year, 55% more than smoking.

"Babies and toddlers are especially at risk because many young mothers don't know how to cook, nor do they have any basic knowledge of nutrition," he told them.

The manifesto calls for cooking skills to be taught in primary schools as well as to adults at work and in the community.

It says food centres, such as one set up in Rotherham for his latest show, should be opened all over the country with trained cookery teachers offering lessons and advice.

They would cost £150,000 each to set up, or £22.5 million for 150, and the money should come from local government and health budgets, he believes.

"We need to get loads of professional cookery teachers trained up... to work right through the community. They need to reach the people who don't cook, don't watch cookery programmes, don't buy cook books, don't know about food," he said in his manifesto.

"If they give it a try and start to feel inspired about cooking, the Government could make a massive difference, and quickly. All it needs is proper funding and support."