Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question follows an announcement about banning additional single-use plastic items from October 2023. There is a need to assess the progress made before the pandemic and the impact of measures taken during lockdown.
What recent assessment has her Department made of the feasibility of ending the use of non-essential single-use plastics?
We have banned single-use plastic straws, cotton buds and stirrers, and recently announced additional items to be banned from October 2023. Through our 25-year environment plan, we aim to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste by 2042.
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Assessment & feedback
The question specifically asked for a recent assessment of feasibility, but the Minister did not provide an official departmental assessment or details on the feasibility study.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The supplementary question addresses the impact of measures taken during lockdown on reducing single-use plastic use, and highlights issues with Scotland's deposit return scheme.
Will the Minister join me in designing a strategy for the eventual elimination of single-use plastics that can enjoy everyone's support?
I am keen to talk about these issues. This Government are doing a great job in setting the direction of travel for reducing our use of plastics, pressing forward with individual bans, extended producer responsibility schemes, data reporting sections, deposit return scheme, and consistent collections.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister acknowledged efforts but did not commit to working specifically on a widely supported strategy as requested.
Response accuracy