Has been voiced in regard to the inclusion of persons liable to the payment of land revenue in the scheme of compulsory savings. It has also been suggested that if it is not possible to exclude this category altogether, a higher exemption limit may be fixed for them. We have very carefully considered these suggestions. May I inform the house that before the bill was drafted, there were detailed discussions with the chief ministers and finance ministers of the states and the conclusions reached were that in a comprehensive legislation of this type, it would not be appropriate to exclude the rural sector which has also had its fair share of rising incomes and growth in agricultural production and economy? The merger will facilitate utilization of synergies in key business areas such as finance, rank D, marketing and distribution besides the availability of trained manpower for future growth and diversification. The distribution strength of the two companies will ensure that under the merged company their products have maximum distributive reach. Steps will now be taken to complete the legal and procedural formalities, and to obtain the approval of the shareholders of both the companies and the high court of Calcutta. With its emergence as the biggest foods company in India, the Brooke Bond Lipton India is expected to have an equity capital of about Rs 120 crore. With reserves and surplus of about Rs 160 crore, and a turnover in excess of Rs 1,500 Crore, Brooke Bond Lipton India. The plans include development of a range of new products for the domestic as well as international market. The two companies are well established in packet teas but their combined share of the tea market in the country will be barely 25 per cent, as loose tea continues to dominate with a share of over 66 percent.
