WALES'S Environment Minister made clear today her intention to press ahead with plans to charge shoppers for carrier bags after a report backed the idea.

A study commissioned by the Welsh Assembly Government found there was "good logic and evidence’’ behind action to cut the use of plastic bags beyond a level agreed by retailers.

Consultants said a fee in Ireland had cut single-use bags by 90%, helped reduce litter and offered a "particularly attractive model’’ for Wales to follow.

Marks & Spencer and Ikea are among familiar names in the UK that have seen a big drop in demand for bags after introducing fees, the report says.

Some 480 million bags were issued in Wales with the intention of only being used once last year. While this will drop because of an agreement between large retailers and the Government, it is expected about 320 million will continue to be handed out each year.

Environment Minister Jane Davidson is considering introducing a compulsory fee of between 5p and 15p to encourage shoppers to re-use bags instead of throwing them away.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) opposes the move, saying shops have already made progress without the need for legislation.

Ms Davidson said: "I have always said I am an evidence-based minister and this report backs up my view that introducing a charge on single-use carrier bags is the only way to further reduce the amount of single-use carrier bags we use in Wales while also encouraging people to re-use bags.

"This is about changing consumer habits for the long-term good of our environment.

"In simple terms, the evidence shows introducing a charge works. Just look at what some retailers in the UK are already doing.’’ She said Britain was "behind the curve’’, with countries around the world charging for plastic bags.

"Consumers in our closest neighbours in Europe are used to paying for carrier bags when they visit the shops,’’ she said.

"With our plans we hope this will soon be the norm here in Wales.’’ BRC business environment director Tom Ironside said: "Welsh customers and retailers have already effectively halved the number of single-use bags used between May 2006 and May 2009.

"Spectacular results have been achieved without the need for legislation.

"Introducing a bag charge is not the best way to achieve lasting change in customer behaviour.

"Engaging consumers through education and encouragement is the way to produce permanent change in behaviour.’’