The Environment and Rural Development Committee (ERDC) of the Scottish Parliament (www.scottish.parliament.uk) – Scotland´s lead authority on environmental issues – has decided unanimously not to recommend acceptance of a Private Member´s Bill for a tax on lightweight plastic carrier bags. Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) Mike Pringle had proposed a levy similar to that in Ireland, but the ERDC said that, although the proposal had provoked a useful debate, the issue should be tackled as part of the forthcoming waste minimisation strategy of the Scottish Executive (www.scotland.gov.uk). Rejection of the proposal was welcomed by the Carrier Bag Consortium (www.carrierbagtax.com), which represents UK producers and suppliers of lightweight plastic carriers. It said it was not a win for the plastic bag industry but for Scotland´s environment. Pringle said he was disappointed by the committee´s decision, although he still plans to go for a full parliamentary vote.