41.   But dealers said they expected price increases in cars and other luxury items on the grounds the tax rise was relatively large.

42.   But some tax rises were proposed.

43.   Department stores are expected to suffer from a downturn in demand following the tax rise.

44.   Economic planning agency director-general Shusei Tanaka told a media conference that the planned tax rise was not likely to undermine the economic recovery.

45.   Economists have said the impact of the tax rise would be short-lived.

46.   EPA Director General Taro Aso also said the tax rise would have only a limited impact on the economy.

47.   The rise will be offset in the June quarter, following the consumption tax rise.

48.   It said the fall reflected discontent at a consumption tax rise next April as well as the impact of a new liberal party.

49.   Negative factors mentioned included a consumption tax rise from three percent to five percent on Tuesday and other deflation factors in fiscal policies.

50.   Tax rises would draw some purchasing power away from British households.