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Written question asked by Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (Green Party) on Wednesday, 6 September 2023, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 20 September 2023. It was answered by Lord Benyon (Conservative) on Friday, 15 September 2023 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Microplastics: Pollution Control

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to prevent microplastic fibre pollution.

Answer

The UK Government has taken significant steps to tackle plastic pollution (eg. microplastics), including restricting the supply of several single-use plastics through introducing a plastic packaging tax from April 2022; restricting the supply of plastic straws, plastic drink stirrers, and plastic-stemmed cotton buds; and preventing billions of plastic micro-beads from entering the ocean each year by introducing a ban on microbeads in rinse off personal care products.

Defra have been working closely with industry to understand the costs of installing microfibre filters on washing machines with prices ranging from £30 to £122 per machine dependant on manufacturer and whether the filters are disposable or re-useable. Defra’s Plan for Water includes a commitment for industry to develop low cost, effective microfibre filters on washing machines and encourage their effective use.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL9923
Session
2022-23
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Pollution control Microplastics
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk