I too think that was the correct response, to encourage paper rather than plastic. After all despite the weak justification for this latest imposition, folk can still put plastic bags into the environment; they are just charged for them these days. So, so much for that. But discussing with a friend of mine who once worked in a paper mill, he pointed out that paper isn't exactly environment friendly either. Lots of steam needed to form it, and heat to remove the water, and various other processes (he could explain better than I) so one wonders how much total benefit it would be in the end. Of course the solution is to ban the super/hyper stores and have everyone go to the local shop and carry back a few items each day in their arms.