Tax squeeze funds increased Govt spending, say PRs

Following the Minister of Finance's presentation of his Budget Statement the day before, clarifying where he stood with regards to his Tax and Economic reform program, the Minister, Hon. Siosiua 'Utoikamanu, came under a relentless attack from the People's Representatives, picking holes in his Budget. The questioning was so intense that before lunch the Minister slipped out from the House, and after waiting 25 minutes for him to return, the House broke up for lunch. Tonga Legislative Assembly, Minute No. 6, Thursday June 9, 2005. From the House, by Pesi Fonua