I have not bottled it

Lorna Slater insists she's committed to recycling scheme despite rethink

-  DAN VEVERS

THE Greens minister in charge of the shambolic Deposit Return Scheme has insisted she is still committed to it.

Lorna Slater was forced to announce sweeping changes including exemptions for pubs, eateries and small brewers.

And new measures for the recycling initiative will see almost half of drinks producers escape having to take part.

But she insisted her commitment to the policy was "unwavering" while trying to blame London for the debacle, which has seen the scheme put back from August until next March in the face of drinks industry opposition.