Dump the tax on biodegradable bags

I wholeheartedly agree with Mario Tabone's comments on biodegradable plastic bags (Need For Review Of Plastic Bags Initiative, February 11).

The PN and Lawrence Gonzi should stop treating the population with distain and admit that the reasoning behind this eco-tax on all plastic bags is nothing more than a clandestine tax-raising exercise. The estimated 40 million bags issued annually will net €6,000,000, which I am sure will go some way in cutting the freefalling budget deficit.

If this is not the case, why won't Dr Gonzi and his party come clean as there is no sane reason for the inclusion of biodegradable bags in this taxation system. It is beyond any argument that this will impact on the manufacturers of these bags and thus the economy of Malta, which under the current economic climate is insane and without any informed justification.

I am sure that in rebuttal Dr Gonzi would wheel out the "We have prepared measures to weather the worldwide recession" brigade. I would respond thus: Get real Sir, and stop the denial of reality. Malta as a nation cannot afford to damage any type of industry, even under the guise of conservation.

I concur with Mr Tabone; this changeover should be phased in, to allow the already manufactured stock to be put to good use and allow the manufacturers to diversify their product range. Or has the PN devised a safe and effective way to dispose of the unusable plastic carrier bags at no cost, either to the public purse or the environment?