Question : DUTY ON ETHANOL

(a) whether the attention of the Government has been drawn to the news-item captioned `Chini Milon Ki Ethanol Uttapaden Yojana Ko Gehra Jhatka` published in Delhi edition of `Dainik Jagran` dated July 8,2002;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the steps being taken by the Government to tackle the situation?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI GINGEE N. RAMACHANDRAN)

(A) and (b): Yes Sir. The news item refers to the proposal on reduction of surcharge by 75 paise per litre on ethanol doped petrol.

(c) The matter is under examination.