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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what support the Government is providing for the introduction of reusable nappy schemes by local authorities.

The Resources and Waste Strategy sets out our ambition to eliminate avoidable waste. We welcome initiatives which keep waste out of landfill, such as reusable nappy schemes, whilst recognising the importance of wider environmental considerations such as energy usage. The Government is carrying out research on nappies that will look at such issues as the relative energy, water and waste impacts of the alternatives.

We are exploring policy options in line with our commitment in the strategy and will develop proposals in due course for a range of individual products, including disposable hygiene products. This will involve in-depth discussions with industry and other stakeholders.