'Cong action on Natwar at appropriate time'

New Delhi, Aug 7: Refusing to comment on the merits of the privilege notice against Prime Minister Manmohan Singh given by former external affairs minister Natwar Singh, Parliamentary Affairs Minister P R Dasmunsi today said the Congress party would take an appropriate decision on Mr Singh at the appropriate time.

The party would examine the R S Pathak Authority report on Volcker before taking any decision, he told a press conference here, adding the party's response would come after examining the report.

Mr Dasmunsi said he would not like to make any comment on the merits of the notice for breach of privilege motion given by Mr Singh till it was disposed off in both the Houses of Parliament as any comment by him might ''prejudice'' the case.

He said he had the highest respect for Mr Natwar Singh who has held various positions in the Congress with great responsibility and had played a role in determining India's foreign policy. Quoting the report, he said Mr Singh had not received any benefit in the Iraqi Oil-for-Food programme but had only been accused of misusing his position as a leader of the delegation to Iraq.

Asked about his yesterday's conversation with Mr Natwar Singh, the Minister said he tried to contact him on telephone five times, but he never came on the line.

Deploring the disruptions in the Lok Sabha proceedings by the Opposition, Mr Dasmunsi said no issues relating to people could be discussed today and only one legislative business could be transacted. He said the Opposition had demanded immediate tabling of the Pathak report and the Government responded by doing so along with presentation of the ATR within 72 hours.

Mr Dasmunsi said the notices for breach of privilege motion were under the consideration of the Chair in both the Houses. ''When the presiding officers dispose off the notices, then I will coment on it,'' he added. As for the leakage of report, he pointed out that the Speaker had already made his observations on the matter when he said that it should not have happened. ''We will look into it after the privilege notice is disposed off.'' Praising Justice Pathak for concluding his job ''in the shortest possible time'' and submitting the report, Mr Dasmunsi said it was unfair on the part of the Opposition to attribute motives to him.

The Parliamentary Affairs Minister said the Prime Minister, Defence Minister and he would interact with the Opposition leaders to plead with them to allow Parliament to function so that the people know the truth. ''Shouting, dancing and slogan-mongering will not reflect any point of view,'' he said and appealed to the Opposition leaders to allow Parliament to function.

''If Opposition is keen to discuss anything or seek clarification, we are prepared to discuss,'' he said.

The House would discuss tomorrow supplementary demands for grants and demands for grants, the two key financial issues before Parliament, Mr Dasmunsi said.

UNI

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