YOUTH CLUB LEADERS - TAX EXEMPTION OF HONORARIUM RECEIVED (Amending legislation to Income Tax Ordinance)

Mr Lee Choon Eng asked the Financial Secretary if the Government will consider introducing legislation to amend the Income Tax Ordinance (Cap. 166), in order to provide exemption from income tax of any honorarium received by Youth Club leaders for the performance of their duties pertaining to the Youth Club Movement.

Mr T. M. Hart: No, Sir.

Mr Lee Choon Eng: Can the Hon. the Financial Secretary tell us why it is that he will not consider exemption from income tax of any honorarium received by Youth Club leaders?

Mr Hart: In my opinion, the monthly stipend paid to Youth Club leaders is as much income as the salary of, say, a clerk and I see no reason why this stipend should not be subject to tax.