Tax cuts a matter of timing

Jenny Shipley hints she might, Bill English says he might, too - but carefully - and Bill Birch says it is really not his call any more.

With the ink barely dry on Mr Birch's last Budget, senior ministers have started softening up voters for National's election-year carrot.

Prime Minister Jenny Shipley, interviewed on National Radio, said her tax cut plans were "matters for later in the year."

In a breakfast speech Finance Minister Bill English said lower taxes were desirable and National was committed to them. But cuts should take into account New Zealanders' concerns that social services such as health and education were catered for.

But Mr Birch said that as outgoing Treasurer it was not for him to set the pace and timing of tax cuts. He said the Government was committed to cutting all taxes, not just the top rate of 33c. -Vernon Small