Can-do attitude

The Scottish Government is to be congratulated on its plan to introduce a compulsory deposit scheme for drinks containers (Scotsman, 9 May).

Whilst there are undoubtedly savings to be made in street cleaning and bin emptying as children scour the place for return able empties, in these days of high technol - ogy it should also be pos sible to track scheme useage and dock social security payments to and tax those who make a genuine income from scavenging.

JOHN EOIN DOUGLAS Spey Terrace, Edinburgh