Intensive talks on Government reform

     For four days, from Aug.18 through Aug.21, the Government Reform Council (presided by Prime Minister Hashimoto) held intensive discussions at a hotel in central Tokyo. Councillors compared notes on their concepts of reform, Cabinet function reinforcement and ministries/agencies reorganization, agreeing upon a basic recommendation to "downsize" their number from present 22 to eventually 13 (including one directly reporting to Prime Minister).
     All this will be compiled as the Council's "interim report," which will be further discussed at its next meeting Sept.3.
     Thereupon, the Council will collaborate with the Government and the ruling coalition party in order to present a "final report" by the end of coming November.

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