Japan PM says wage growth better than tax cuts to combat inflation

TOKYO, June 11 (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on Wednesday that achieving wage growth is the most effective way to help households combat inflation, while brushing off the idea of reducing the consumption tax rate.

"Wage growth is the most effective measure to combat rising prices," Ishiba told parliament when asked by the biggest opposition party about its proposal on tax breaks on food.

"We'll overcome rising prices by boosting productivity, reducing costs and achieving wage growth for every worker," he said. Tax breaks would take a long time and cost money to prepare, he added.