New Delhi, Apr 30: Petroleum Minister Murli Deora admitted in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday that Shipping Minister T R Baalu met him and briefed him about "great injustice" done to workers and investors of his family-owned company. He however denied the PMO sending any instruction to help the company.

He said the references were received in a 'routine' manner. Deora was making the statement in the Rajya Sabha on the issue of Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways TR Baalu misusing his official position by seeking favour for his family-owned private firm.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs V. Narayanasamy on Tuesday had announced that the Government would make the statement following the Opposition`s demand that a clarification from the Prime Minister on reported recommendation by the PMO to expedite supply of gas to firms owned by the Union Minister`s family.

No nepotism is involved in PMO writing for Baalu, Deora had told reporters on Tuesday. The issue was raised by BJP and AIADMK in the House demanding a categorical assurance from the Government when it would respond.

The BJP has alleged that the PMO sent eight reminders to the Petroleum Ministry asking it to expedite the case. Advani had demanded a statement from the PM on the issue.

Refuting the allegation on Monday, Congress spokesman Abhishek Manu Singhvi said: "The PMO had only forwarded the requests to the Ministry. There is no question of endorsing or agreeing with the contents."

Ever since Baalu had admitted to asking favours for a family-owned firm and told the Rajya Sabha, that there was nothing wrong in requesting the Petroleum Minister to provide gas to the company, in which he had held the post of Managing Director and now his sons and their wives are associated with the firm, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) members have been disrupting proceedings in the Parliament for the past few days on the issue.