I have been absolutely clear that my target of taxation is to reach a standard rate of 20 pence in the pound and it will be achieved as long as public finances can afford it, he said.
At a press conference spearheading the British ruling Conservative Party's autumn campaign for the next year's general election, Clarke fiercly defended his decision to raise taxes in the first few budgets he presided over as Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Yes, we took tough measures which involved some increases in taxation. We will continue on that tax cutting agenda when it is sensible to do so, he said.
Income tax cuts in last year's budget for fiscal 1996-97, the first for seven years, reduced the basic rate of tax by one penny in the pound to 24 per cent.
The starting rate is 20 pence.
Most economists expect the embattled government to cut taxes by between 2 and 3 billion in this year's budget as part of its efforts to woo back a disgruntled electorate.
The unspectacular offering