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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effect of the Government's plastic deposit return scheme on small retailers.

The Government has confirmed that it will introduce a DRS in England, subject to consultation later this year. The consultation (accompanied by an impact assessment) will look at the details of how such a scheme would work, alongside other measures to increase recycling rates. Building on the working group’s call for evidence, we will be seeking further views on the potential impacts of a DRS on small retailers when we consult on this policy.