Written question asked by Tom Levitt (Labour) on Wednesday, 24 July 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 15 October 2002. It was answered by Michael Meacher (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 October 2002 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to her Answers to the honourable Member of Gordon of 30th April, Official Report, column 665, what conclusions she has reached on the assessment of the effect of a plastic shopping bag levy on litter and waste reduction and on consumer behaviour.

Answer: Mr. Levitt: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to her answers to the hon. Member for Gordon (Mr. Bruce) of 30 April 2002, Official Report, column 665W, what conclusions she has reached on the assessment of the effect of a plastic shopping bag levy on litter and waste reduction and on consumer behaviour. [73975] Mr. Meacher: Work on the plastic bags issue continues within the Department and we are not yet in a position to reach conclusions. Also, the Performance and Innovation Unit (PIU) has decided to include the plastic bag tax and related issues in its wider review of waste strategy. It will therefore feature in the PIU, report, due out later in the year and the work carried out in the Department will help inform the report.

Secondary information