Question : PAYMENT OF INSPECTION FEE BY IMPORTERS OF WOODLOGS

(a) whether importers of woodlogs have to pay inspection fees to meet the cost of inspection of their consignment to the Government for long Cochin Island;

(b) if so, the total amount due from the importers and the amount indicating the time from which is outstanding against them;

(c) whether due to negligence of officials in Plant Quarantine and Fumigation Station Willingdon Island Cochin, losses to the extent of Rs.34.79 lakhs have been suffered by the Government; and

(d) if so, the action taken or proposed to be taken against those officials in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI SHRIPAD Y. NAIK)

(a) to (d): The arrears of plant quarantine inspection fee amounting to Rs.34.79 lakhs were due in October, 1997 from 39 importers of woodlogs. These arrears arose owing to a Court`s direction permitting them to make payment in cash only to the extent of 25% of the total fee payable. The matter was vigorously pursued and a sum of Rs.32.87 lakhs has already been realised and an amount of Rs.1.92 lakhs is outstanding from only one importer.