from Tim Davies, AP Burt & Sons Limited

Sir; I read with interest the letter from Peter Yarwood highlighting the problems of biodegradable polythene carrier bags (The Grocer, December 6).

He concluded the market would not respond to the problem until alternative products are as cheap as those produced in the Far East.

This may be true, but legislation introduced in the Republic of Ireland provides us with a lead.

Litter in Ireland was a major problem which the government was determined to address by encouraging a reduction in bag usage, making the consumer pay a cost. With a levy of 15c imposed on each polythene carrier bag used, retailers swiftly looked for alternatives, with the bag for life and paper carrier bags both becoming popular.

DEFRA did show an interest in following the Irish lead, but the Chancellor has yet to follow the taxation part through.

We must be encouraged to use less packaging and fully and proper biodegradable materials. Paper is the obvious choice and with a UK-based manufacturing industry already in place, the answer to the problem really does grow on trees!