The mystery surrounding who will actually get payroll tax relief, hinted at last week by Finance Minister Eugene Cox, has deepened after it emerged that officials from the Finance Ministry had contacted the Chamber of Commerce to contradict earlier Press statements.

At a press conference last Thursday, Mr. Cox said Government proposed relief for segments of the business community - especially small enterprises.

When asked if this relief was aimed at the retail sector, permanent secretary Donald Scott said, during the press conference on October 26, that it would be primarily targeted at small business - those with payrolls of $100,000 or less - which would incorporate some retailers.

But Chamber President Charles Gosling told The Royal Gazette that Ministry officials had contacted the Chamber after that press conference and indicated relief would not be limited only to small businesses.

Repeated attempts to contact Mr. Cox and Mr. Scott yesterday were unsuccessful.

A source close to the Ministry indicated that it will be providing relief to local businesses both big and small.