To early to determine the effect of cess on Iron ore exports.

New Delhi, Apr 27 (UNI) After the Government imposed a cess of Rs 300 per tonne on the export of iron ore from March 1, this year, the exports of iron ore during March 2007 have not dwindled and have remained more or less at par with the estimates.

''It is, however, too early to comment on whether exports of iron ore will be affected by this levy,'' said Minister of State for Finance S S Palanimanickam.

''Tax issues are decided by the Government taking into account various factors including revenue effect, need to preserve natural resources and profitability of the relevant industry. Government will take appropriate action, if considered necessary, after taking into account all relevant considerations,'' added the Minister in response to a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

UNI