Question : FAKE ARMY BOOZE

(a) whether attention of the Government has been drawn to the newsitem captioned `Huge racket in fake Army Booze` as reported in the `Times of India` dated April 12, 2003;

(b) if so, whether spurious liquor is being sold at several CSD outlets in connivance with the officials;

(c) if so, the reasons thereof; and

(d) the steps taken by the Government to break the nexus of officials and liquor sellers?

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI GEORGE FERNANDES)

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) to (d): Based on the news paper report an investigation has been carried out which revealed that none of the spurious liquor was sold through any Canteen Stores Department Depots or Unit Run Canteens.