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21.03.02
23. Deputy I. Gardiner of St. Helier will ask the following question of the Minister for Infrastructure (OQ.66/2021):
"Given that, in adopting P.64/2020, the Assembly agreed that legislation should be brought forward by February 2021 for the prohibition of plastic and paper bags, will the Minister advise when this legislation will be lodged for debate?"
The following response was provided in writing in accordance with Standing Order 63(9) as the oral question was not asked before the end of the time allowed for Oral Questions:
Since P.64/2020 was adopted, officers have been working to bring forward the draft legislation that will reduce the use of single use plastic and paper bags and set a minimum price for bags for life.
It is my understanding that Deputy Gardiner has been briefed at all stages of the work programme by the officers involved
The work required has been extremely detailed to consider the requirements of particular industries (as a result of the consultation) and has involved a number of departments in order to ensure that the legislation includes the correct requirements to enable enforcement.
The implementation of the draft legislation has also been considered at an operational level as part of the drafting process and this has required colleagues across Strategic Policy, Performance and Population, Customs and Immigration, Environmental and Consumer Protection and the Legislative Drafting Office to work together.
The law drafting has therefore taken longer than originally expected but it has been proceeding well and I expect the draft legislation to be finalised within the next couple of weeks.
Once a final review has been completed, the draft legislation and accompanying documentation will be lodged ahead of debate by the States Assembly. Therefore, I would hope to lodge the draft Law by the end of march.
I understand that the draft Law will bring forward a new piece of primary legislation to the States Assembly that reflects the original Proposition and supports the findings from the consultation, including the ability to extend the legislation to include more avoidable single use items in the future.