LITTER - Plastic carrier bags are not a litter problem. In fact most litter on our streets is snack food packaging, bottles and cans, cigarette ends and similar. It is estimated that plastic bags of any kind make up far less than 1% of litter on our streets. So reducing the number of plastic carrier bags we use will make no difference to the volume of litter on our streets.

LANDFILL - Even if plastic carrier bags end up in landfill they take up an insignificant amount of space. The material that takes up most space in our landfills is paper and wood-based products and putrescible waste. As any waste expert will confirm, these are the materials that can become a major contributor to greenhouse emissions and groundwater pollution - not plastic.

FINITE OIL RESOURCES - Forget the popular environmental "spin". Compared with alternatives, lightweight high-strength plastics represent by far the best overall use of valuable earth resources for thousands of everyday applications. The benefits to the environment are incalculable. Only about 2% of all the oil consumed in Europe is used for all plastic films - and plastic carriers are a very small part of this percentage. The vast majority of oil - nearly 85% - is burned as fuel in cars and lorries or as heating fuel. A carrier bag tax will make absolutely no difference to global oil consumption.

ENERGY - The energy intensity of plastic carrier bags has been shown to be far less than for the equivalent size of paper bag. So plastic films are the most energy-efficient material we can produce. After use, the latent energy in plastic can be recovered by re-use, recycling or via waste to energy systems as widely practised throughout the EU.

RESOURCE MINIMISATION - Today's plastic carrier uses 70% less plastic than 20 years ago yet still remains as strong and durable. No other industry has achieved this reduction in material used. So why penalise an industry that has the best track record of all in resource minimisation?

TRANSPORTATION, STORAGE AND FUEL EMISSIONS - Plastic is by far the lightest of all carrier bag materials - so it takes much less fuel to transport and creates less damaging exhaust emissions than any alternative. A paper bag weights roughly six times more than a plastic carrier, is about four times more expensive and takes up to ten time more storage space. Plastic has genuine environmental advantages across its full life cycle.

RE-USE AND RECYCLING - Plastic carrier bags are re-used time and time again. Estimates suggest that four out of five people re-use single trip plastic carrier bags in the household. Replacing these bags would cost more in resources and energy - a plastic bag tax introduced elsewhere is resulting in a massive increase in the sale of plastic refuse bags and bin liners! Plastic film is recyclable so why not encourage markets for recycled plastic carriers instead of taxing them?

CONVENIENCE AND THEFT REDUCTION - Plastic carrier have proved to be the solution of convenience for both the shopper and retailer. Imagine the queues building up at checkout when those in front have forgotten to bring alternative carriers. Or the delays and embarrassment when supermarkets need to search customers' own bags to combat increased pilfering. Think of the extra cost to supermarkets - many of whom replace accidental breakages on their premises - when people using old or damaged bags spill the contents everywhere. Imagine the costs and chaos when supermarket plastic and wire baskets are stolen - as is happening elsewhere - as a substitute for the carrier bag. And think how the supermarkets will feel about their goods being carried out in competitor branded bags! Above all we must never forget we are predominantly handling food and groceries, where cleanliness and hygiene are crucial. Heavy duty re-useable bags may sound like a good idea but should we really be gambling with the nation's health?

ANTI COMPETITIVE AND A BARRIER TO TRADE - A tax on plastic carrier bags would be extremely unfair. It would discriminate against plastic compared with other materials. It could represent a serious restraint on trade - putting our businesses and jobs at risk - and for no environmental gain. A plastic bag tax would effectively close down dozens of UK carrier bag manufacturers for no good reason - killing off hundreds of jobs and wasting millions of pounds of investment which has ironically been spent on meeting UK legislation for better health, safety and a cleaner environment.