Current Petitions

The next two petitions are grouped together. PE986, from primary 6 and 7 at Woodlands primary school, was submitted a few years ago. The pupils are now in senior school and will probably conclude their highers this year—that shows how long the petition has been in the system. The petition calls on the Parliament to urge the Government to take greater action to protect the public by promoting the use of plastic bottles as an alternative to glass and highlights the way in which broken glass in public places can impact on children's play and activity. PE1145, from Dr Alexander Gemmell, calls on the Parliament to urge the Government to introduce a statutory deposit-and-return scheme on all used beverage containers. Both petitions have been with us for a while, and we have explored some of the issues that they raise. I invite comments from committee members.

Like other members, I am aware that the Scottish Government has taken a number of measures. It is committed to tackling antisocial behaviour relating to littering and has launched a strategy. There is the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, of which the whole Parliament can be justly proud. We have reached the stage at which we should consider closing the petitions.

I agree, but it might be useful for us to pass on to the minister the letter that we have received from Cathy Macleod, the class teacher. She suggested that an award to industry be named after the school, to acknowledge the work that the children have done.

Do members endorse that recommendation and agree to close both petitions?