The secretary general of the Liberal Democratic Party ruled out a possible consumption tax hike Sunday, calling it "politically impossible for the time being."

Speaking on a TV talk show, Taku Yamasaki was apparently referring to comments made earlier by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, who said the consumption tax would be part of reform talks held by the government and the LDP tax panels.

"It's a medium-term issue and is politically impossible for the time being," Yamasaki said.