Nick Bourne

Welsh Conservatives have accused Cardiff's sports minister, Alun Pugh, of hypocrisy in his campaign to tackle child obesity.

The claims were prompted by details contained in the latest register of members' interests.

The document revealed that Pugh had "Hospitality and match tickets for Manchester Utd v Arsenal Community Shield final football match for self and guest provided by McDonalds Restaurants ltd."

Highlighting the entry, the Tories said the minister should have turned the offer down on a point of principle if he was serious about promoting public health.

Last month the minister had backed a sports summit, said the Conservatives, which included talks on how to tackle child obesity and promote good eating habits from an early age.

"It is commendable that McDonalds is involved in promoting sport among young people. However, the minister’s behaviour is nothing short of blatant hypocrisy," said Conservative health spokesman Jonathan Morgan.

"One the one hand he attacks the fast food industry for contributing to poor diets among children and yet is more than happy to accept a considerable amount of hospitality from them."

And the leader of the assembly Conservative team, Nick Bourne, said that easting fast food contributed to obesity.

"Exactly how Alun Pugh thinks being wined and dined by McDonalds contributes to promoting a healthier lifestyle is beyond me," he added.

"If the minister was truly committed to tackling obesity he should have turned down this invitation on a point of principle."