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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with businesses on preparing for the deadline for the implementation of the deposit return scheme.

Defra engages stakeholders across industry (including large and small drinks producers, retailers, wholesalers, and the hospitality sector) to ensure we are learning lessons from other schemes (including the Scottish experience and the recently launched scheme in Ireland). This is to support industry as they move towards delivery. We are committed to continuing engagement and working collaboratively with industry to deliver a cost effective, well-functioning scheme.