Kathmandu, June 18: Discussions on the appropriations Bill under the head of Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies were delayed by 45 minutes at the House of Representatives Monday as some opposition MPs sought clarifications as the gross amounts earmarked under some headings had not been

Immediately after announcement by Speaker Taranath Ranabhat that discussions had commenced, some MPs of the CPN-UML demanded clarifications about distribution of the total amount of Rs. 410.5 million earmarked for the environmental improvement programme and about the interest subsidy for the food corporation in 38 districts.

MPs Prem Bahadur Singh, Dr. Dilliraj Khanal, Ratna Prasad Sharma Noupane and Narbahadur Budhathoki were among those who sought the clarifications.

During the time provided by the Speaker for clarifications, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Ram Krishna Tamrakar made it clear that the amount for environment improvement programme to be provided through Danish assistance is meant for projects in Hetauda for mitigating pollution.

He further said that the interest subsidy for the Nepal Food Corporation is meant for the transport of food to the remote districts.

But the MPs did not budge from their stance that house business should not proceed until the Minister furnishes details about the quantities of food to be despatched to the remote districts.

Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat and Ananda Prasad Dhungana of NC opined that it is not justifiable to seek district-wise particulars under every appropriation head and urged commencement of discussions under the head since answers from the Minister were awaited.

Speaker Ranabhat then intervened and said the discussions would proceed as the Minister had already furnished clarifications.