Question : DECLINE IN PRODUCTION OF ALCOHOL

(a) the quantum of alcohol produced in the country during 2007-08 and the percentage by which the production was less as compared to the previous years;

(b) whether the decline in production has resulted from the low production of molasses by the sugar mills;

(c) if so, whether low production of alcohol has also affected the pharmaceutical companies, liquor and beer companies; and

(d) if so, the quantum of production of liquor and beer affected by it in the country?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF MINES (SHRI B.K. HANDIQUE)

(a) and (b): As per the latest data available, the production of Alcohol in million litres in respect of 10 major producing states is as follows:

Year	Production, Million Litres

2004-05	1130.5

2005-06	1574.9

2006-07	2393.3