(a) the quantum of plywood imported in the country during the last three year along with the foreign exchange involved thereon;
(b) whether the domestic plywood industry is in crisis following the import of plywood in the country;
(c) if so, the reasons for importing plywood despite huge stock of plywood available in the country; and
(d) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to save the plywood industry of the country?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI OMAR ABDULLAH)
(a) As per Annexure.
(b) to (d) : The import of plywood has been free since prior to 1.4.1996 from the point of view of reducing pressure on our forests. However, import of plywood has been declining in value terms as is evident from the figures in annexure.
ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART ( a ) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 6182, FOR REPLY ON 27.4.2001, REGARDING IMPORT OF PLY WOOD.
Statement showing import of plywood during 1998-99,1999-2000 & 2000-2001 (upto Nov.2000)
(Value Rs. Lakhs) 1998-99 1999-2000 2000-2001 (upto Nov.2000) Unit Qty. Value Qty. Value Qty. Value
Decorative CUM 16307 2443.70 17735 1633.45 10960 1050.26 plywood
Plastic Laminated Kg. 5273302 1300.66 2911376 790.31 891401 355.15 plywood TOTAL 3744.36 2423.76 1405.41