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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with the food and beverage industry on the introduction of a deposit return scheme for drinks containers.

In autumn 2017, the Voluntary and Economic Incentives working group held a call for evidence on measures to reduce littering of drinks containers and promote recycling. This included seeking evidence on the costs, benefits and impacts of deposit and reward and return schemes, and gave the food and beverage industry the opportunity to provide their views.

Defra officials held a stakeholder workshop, including representatives from the food and beverage industry, in June this year to discuss early thinking on a deposit return scheme and seek their feedback.

Defra Ministers and Officials continue to engage with stakeholders from the food and beverage industry on an individual basis to discuss issues related to introducing a deposit return scheme.

The Government has confirmed that it will introduce a deposit return scheme in England, subject to consultation later this year. The upcoming consultation will allow a further opportunity for the food and beverage industry to inform the development of any deposit return scheme.