PACKAGING WASTE

That this House notes with concern the excessive levels of packaging used by manufacturers and retailers, accounting for around five million tonnes of household waste and costing families an average of £470 per year; commends the numerous campaigns against excessive packaging including those run by the Women's Institute and The Independent newspaper; urges supermarkets and manufacturers to reduce excess packaging, recycle packaging waste and encourage the re-use of plastic carrier bags; and calls on the Government to take stronger action to curb excess packaging.