AS the political in-fighting continues in the Battle of Margaret's Shoulder, the future of the National Health Service has been thrust to the top of the election agenda.

But as well as focusing on individual cases highlighting the rights and wrongs of the NHS, the debate needs to address some of the root causes of the nation's health problems.

Much has been made of childhood obesity, and poor diets, and the damage that can be caused in later life.

And yet it has taken a TV chef to turn up the heat on Britain's school meals scandal. It is truly shocking that the average cost of a school meal in the state system is between 35 pence and 45 pence.

Caterers are being asked to produce a culinary conjuring trick to produce nutritious meals for less than the price of a can of dog food.

Around 100 MPs of all parties have signed a House of Commons motion backing Jamie Oliver's call for junk food to be replaced by freshly cooked, healthier meals.

We also back Jamie's campaign. It is no use investing record amounts in the NHS unless more money is also pumped into prevention - and it has to start with children.