tampon tax

MPs are backing new calls to raise taxes on the manufacturers of ladies sanitary products to help reduce littering. The new levy is part of a long-awaited report on how Britain can turn around its throwaway culture.

Up and down the country, usually at the weekends, alleys, car parks and other badly illuminated public spaces are routinely being subjected to a torrent of discarded tampons and towels. The problem is particularly severe near to pubs, bars and clubs. A clean-up levy would force companies to take responsibility for the actions of their customers.

A proportion of the extra revenue raised would be given local councils to fund the unblocking of so-called slapper's passages. The remainder of the increased income will be channelled into the recruitment, training and deployment of Specially Licensed Uniformed Technicians who will patrol the problem areas to catch the litterbugs in the act.

"For too long the hospitality industry has been demonised for getting young people so drunk that they want to shag anyone irrespective of the surroundings or, indeed, the person or persons with whom they are coupling" said a spokesperson. "We welcome these proposals but think that they could go further. We feel that contraceptives manufacturers should also be required to contribute towards the cost of clearing up their customer's effluent."