Japan PM Aso says consumption tax hike unavoidable

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TOKYO, Oct 1 (Reuters) - Prime Minister Taro Aso said on Wednesday that raising Japan's consumption tax is unavoidable, although doing so immediately would be difficult given current economic conditions.

"We cannot avoid discussions on (raising) the consumption tax, but it is difficult under current economic conditions," Aso told parliament. He made the remark while responding to questions from the main opposition party's secretary general, Yukio Hatoyama. (Reporting by Yuzo Saeki)