Finance minister Edward Scicluna was initially reluctant to answer a parliamentary question on how many people will benefit from the zero percent taxation on the minimum wage.

He also refused to say how much the measure will cost.

On hearing his reply in this evening's parliamentary sitting, PN MP Chris Said appeared to be gobsmacked, questioning how a measure proposed in the 2013 budget has not been costed and the benefits studied.

Professor Scicluna said that he has the figures in his notes, but he cannot give an official figure.

Dr Said insisted that he would be happy with a round figure, saying that in his original question his had only asked for approximate figures.

Professor Scicluna finally gave in, saying that “a few thousand will benefit from the measure," which he said will run into the thousands.