REVIEW ON THE GOODS AND SERVICES TAX

Mr R. Ravindran asked the Minister for Finance whether a recent review has been done on the impact of the Goods and Services Tax on (i) low-income families; (ii) middle-income families; (iii) high-income families; and (iv) businesses; and whether his Ministry will disclose the details of the review to the public.

Dr Richard Hu Tsu Tau: The Ministry is currently undertaking a detailed study on the impact of GST on the various income groups, in connection with the review on the GST offset package which is due to expire on 31st March 1999. The outcome of the study will be made known in due course.