THE government is planning to give all pregnant women a £120 payment in the hope they spend it on fruit and vegetables as a means of protecting their infants from childhood diseases.

Alan Johnson, the health secretary, will announce the hand-out in a speech this week aimed at highlighting the gap between rich and poor.

However, critics of the bonus, which will be paid to middle-class mothers as well as poorer families, are likely to say that the money may just be wasted because there is nothing to prevent pregnant women spending it on drink, cigarettes, chocolate or even clothes.

The “health in pregnancy” benefit will be made as a one-off payment when a woman is seven months pregnant, just two months before the birth. They will be expected to take expert professional advice on the advantages of having a proper balanced diet and also giving up drinking and smoking.

The announcement comes as the government’s record on public health comes under fresh scrutiny with the publication of a report by a former Treasury adviser. Sir Derek Wanless is expected to criticise the lack of progress made by ministers on tackling the increasingly unhealthy lifestyles that have led to a rise in obesity in Britain.

Poor eating habits are likely to come in for particular criticism, as people do less exercise and adopt a more “sedentary” lifestyle.

Johnson’s aides accept that some of the 630,000 women who fall pregnant every year may be tempted to spend the £120 on other items than fresh vegetables and fruit smoothies. There is said to be little authoritative research which proves that financial incentives, even if combined with nutritional advice, lead to a change in behaviour.

Officials at the Department of Health have decided that it would be too complicated and “possibly unfair” to give the hand-out only to the poorest couples, and the money is likely to become an additional boost in the way that child benefit is paid to all parents regardless of income.

However, the proposals, which are expected to cost up to £80m a year, may not see the light of day as they are still being “scrutinised” by the Treasury. Health experts argue that the scheme may be worth it, as it could lead to a saving on NHS costs.

Johnson will argue that preventative health policy pays dividends and that some children are born undernourished.

Explore UK News

• Crime News

• Education News

• Health News

• Scotland News

Times Recommends

• The bright side of this winter rain
• Story behind the picture: Snow Leopard, 2008
• Times Charity Appeal: The Place2Be