20p deposit returns are Green for go

Slater shuns pleas over costs and VAT fears

- DAN VEVERS

GREEN Minister Lorna Slater has insisted the controversial Deposit Return Scheme will go ahead in spite of Tory calls to pause it.

The flagship SNP-Greens scheme is aimed at increasing recycling with a 20p deposit on single-use drinks bottles and cans -but it has been dogged by business fears over cost.

Last week, Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack told ministers it was "not too late to think again" on the DRS as he urged them to halt its August launch.

But Slater said the Tory minister "doesn't know what's going on" and claimed the UK Treasury had privately backed the SNP-Green Government's plans.