The government is examining the representation from the domestic tyre manufacturing industry against import of new and used tyres and a decision on tyre imports would be announced through a notification, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Tuesday.

The notification would be made as and when the government takes a decision on reviewing import of new and used tyres, union commerce minister B B Ramaiah said in a reply. Tea exports to Russia: Tea exports from the country to Russia have been showing a fluctuating trend during the last three years with shipments declining in 1996-97 after showing promise in 1994-95, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Tuesday. India exported 42.03 million kg of tea to Russia during 1996-97 earning Rs 297.16 crore against the 66.18 million kg exported in 1995-96, fetching Rs 443.08 crore, union commerce minister BB Ramaiah said in a written reply.

Karnataka plea on Bijapur airport: Karnataka chief minister J H Patel has written a letter to prime minister I K Gujral urging him to approve the Bijapur airport project, which was pending before the centre. Patel in his letter highlighted the historic and tourist importance of Bijapur and pointed out the initiative taken by the Karnataka government in acquiring 500 acres of land for the project.

STC told to import wheat: The government has authorised the Food Corporation Of India and the State Trading Corporation to import upto two million tonnes of wheat during 1997-98 to augment its availability in the country. Minister of state for food and consumer affairs R P Singh said the STC has contracted for import of one million tonnes of wheat from Australia in this regard. The minister said the FCI has informed the STC that the wheat imported from Argentina contained more percentage of damaged grains than the specifications laid down in the contract.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.