Taxation: Plastic Bags

Debate between Lord Sassoon and Baroness Knight of Collingtree

Monday 28th May 2012 Lords Chamber

[Lord Sassoon]

I am very happy to learn a bit more about this subject. I thank the noble Baroness.

[Baroness Knight of Collingtree]

My Lords, when my noble friend is considering this matter—bearing in mind all that has been said and the dramatic diminution in the use of plastic—will he also bear in mind that for many people shopping is quite difficult and hazardous? Even if you are only on a very modest diet of bread and butter, butter and bread have gone up a very great deal and it is a little hard for many people to have to pay increased amounts for the things they really must have to live, and then pay again to put it in bags to take it away because they cannot carry it all by hand.

[Lord Sassoon]

My Lords, this is true, although I note that as early as 1997, Waitrose introduced its “bag for life” scheme; for 10p it sells a bag that is replaced free of charge when it is worn out. There are imaginative schemes out there that supermarkets are taking on which will not incur large costs for the consumer.