INCOME TAX (Raising of personal reliefs)

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider amending legislation to revise upwards both the personal allowance and earned income relief under the Income Tax Act in the light of the present cost of living.

Mr Hon Sui Sen: Sir, the answer to the Member's question will be apparent by the end of my Budget Statement today.

May I suggest to the Member that it would be more appropriate for him to raise the question of income tax relief, if he so wishes, during the debate on the financial policy of the Government on the 15th March, when I shall be happy to give him a full reply.