PLASTIC SHOPPING BAG TAX

Early day motion 1730, tabled 24 September 2002 by Mark Lazarowicz (Labour/Co-operative). Signed by 74 members.

That this House notes the success in Ireland of the 10 pence charge for plastic shopping bags payable by the user, which has led to significant reductions in the numbers dispensed to consumers since the charge was introduced; and, considering the environmental harm caused by plastic bag litter, in particular the risk it poses to animal life and as an eyesore in both the urban and rural landscape, calls on the Government to introduce a similar tax in the United Kingdom, in order to encourage greater re-use and recycling of plastic bags, which are currently consumed at a rate of approximately 12 billion a year, equivalent to 200 bags per person; and urges all major United Kingdom retailers to contribute to this effort by providing customers with access to plastic bag recycling points in their stores and greater incentives to re-use bags, including the easy availability of strong and environmentally-friendly 'bags for life'.

Signatures by party: Labour 47, Liberal Democrat 16, Labour/Co-operative 8, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1, UUP 1.