Some tax rises supported
Most people favour increases in taxes on alcohol, tobacco and gambling, but oppose the introduction of a sales levy or a land departure fee, according to a new survey.
The results of the survey come ahead of Financial Secretary Donald Tsang Yam-kuen's outlining of the 2000-2001 financial year Budget on Wednesday.
According to the survey, conducted last month by the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of Hong Kong (DAB), 66.9 per cent and 71.7 per cent of those surveyed opposed the sales tax and land departure tax respectively.
About 70 per cent supported higher taxes on alcohol, tobacco and gambling.
More than 56 per cent were against the creation of new taxes and 64 per cent opposed the use of higher tax rates to narrow the budget deficit.
Nearly 69 per cent opposed an increase in income tax rates.
A total of 2,667 people were interviewed.
DAB legislator Chan Kam-lam said the Government could achieve a balanced budget without new taxes.
'It is most important to increase the efficiency of resources,' he said. 'The Government must also pay attention to reducing its expenditure.' Mr Chan also said the administration should examine this year's economic conditions carefully before considering the imposition of new taxes.