New Delhi (PTI): The government said it is willing to consider exporting wheat flour, which was banned last year, along with wheat as part of inflation-containing steps.

"Allowing export of wheat flour is under consideration," Commerce Secretary G K Pillai said at a function here organised by industry chamber Ficci.

As domestic policymakers shift attention towards keeping growth momentum up following financial crisis around the world and a five-month low inflation rate back home, the government seems willing to reconsider some of the measures it had taken to boost domestic supply of commodities.

Among the first to come up for the government review are the sharp increase in the minimum support price (MSP) of cotton and minimum export prices (MEP) on basmati.

The Centre is now willing to weigh the effects of raising the cotton MSP following hue and cry from the industry about its adverse effect on both domestic and export fronts, especially after cotton prices took a knock in global markets.

"MSP on cotton is a major issue because the increase in the MSP has been almost Rs 700, compared to normal Rs 40-50 every year. We have taken up the issue separately. The textile ministry will take note to the cabinet and find a solution for that," he said.

The government has sharply increased the MSP of standard cotton (long staple) to Rs 3,000 per quintal for 2008-09 from Rs 2,030 in the previous year. The MSP of medium staple cotton has been raised to Rs 2,500 from Rs 1,800 per quintal. The move has been termed by many as farmer-friendly in the run-up to general elections next year.

The Commerce Secretary also said,"MEP lowering is an issue which we are willing to consider straightaway and something can be done."