'9p tax' on plastic carrier bags

Shoppers face paying a 9p tax on each plastic bag they use under a scheme being championed by Environment Minister Michael Meacher.

He today urged the introduction of the scheme in Britain after it was launched in Ireland this year. Results suggest it brought a dramatic reduction in bags used. Mr Meacher, who has asked for a report into the scheme, said: "I would be arguing very strongly for putting something through here. It's a cracking good idea."

Britons get through eight billion plastic bags a year, creating a huge waste problem. Supermarkets would have to administer the tax, while the charge would add about 60p a week to a family shopping bill.