Friday, December 9 2005 14:29 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Finance Minister P Chidambaram today (Dec 09, 2005) denied reports that he has received a copy of the interim report from Enforcement Directorate on its probe into the Volcker findings on Iraqi oil pay-offs.

"I have read a newspaper report that ED has submitted an interim report, which is totally false," he told reporters outside Parliament.

To a question that several members in Parliament had quoted newspaper reports to say that ED had submitted the interim report, Chidambaram said: "I cannot comment on what the honorable members say and on what basis they say."

Asked if the ED was doing a cover-up action as alleged by the opposition, he said: "It is a presumptuous question which has no basis at all. We have said in the floor of Parliament that ED will investigate fairly".

When a reporter said he wanted a straight answer to this simple question, Chidambaram retorted: "It is not a simple question but a presumptuous one."

To a question whether the Justice R S Pathak Inquiry Authority would look into allegations made by Congress party and various other quarters on the Volcker issue, Chidambaram said: "Please look at the terms of the reference. I think, term no 3 and last term are comprehensive enough".

"If any request comes from Justice Pathak (for widening the terms of reference) certainly we will give due weight". he said.