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

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made about the extent of the use of wet wipe products containing plastics in infection prevention and control practices undertaken in workplaces and the National Health Service.

The consultation on the proposed ban of the manufacture, supply and sale of wet wipes containing plastic closed on 25^th November 2023. Defra officials are currently analysing consultation responses.

The consultation included questions on the potential impacts the proposed ban – including for those who require wet wipes containing plastic for medical purposes. Defra officials are engaging with a range of stakeholders, including the NHS, on whether a medical exemption will be required.

Details of the policy will be announced in the Government Response to the consultation, to be published in due course.