Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of the increase in use of face masks on progress to reduce single-use plastics.

We have not carried out an assessment on the effect of the increase in use of face masks on progress to reduce single-use plastics. During the Covid-19 outbreak facemasks, often made from single-use plastics, have played a vital role in reducing transmission of the virus.

Face coverings required indoors are not the same as the single-use surgical masks or respirators used by healthcare and other workers as part of their PPE. These should continue to be reserved for those who need them to protect against risks in their workplace. Instead, the latest government advice on face coverings provides instructions on how people can make and care for reusable face coverings at home using scarves or other washable textiles, and is available at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-wear-and-make-a-cloth-face-covering

Reusable cloth face coverings are also available to buy from a wide range of retail outlets, including online.

We remain absolutely committed to turning the tide on the widespread, and often unnecessary, use of single-use plastics and the threat they pose to our natural environment. We are increasing the single- use carrier bag charge to 10p and extending to all retailers and have restricted the supply of plastic straws, stirrers and cotton-buds. We are seeking powers in the Environment Bill to charge for single-use plastic items, make recycling more consistent; and reform packaging waste regulations.