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Council for Promoting Consumer Policy Wednesday, April 23, 2008 JAPANESE

Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda held the 6th meeting of the Council for Promoting Consumer Policy at the Prime Minister's Official Residence, and discussed the modality of an organization for the consumers and the development of consumer-related laws, among other topics. At the start of the meeting, Prime Minister Fukuda said, "Here are my ideas on the modality of a new organization, which are based on the discussions at the Council. "First of all, I will establish an Agency for Consumer Affairs next fiscal year and start, without delay, preparatory works to that end. As a key player in consumer policy, the Agency will hold jurisdiction broadly over issues concerning consumers' safety and security, and will be given strong authority to monitor overall policies from the consumers' perspective. "Secondly, I will develop a system for making well-designed responses in a unified manner from the viewpoint of the consumers. As such, we will, among other endeavors, shift away from the traditional approach of placing more focus on the manufacturers, eliminate adverse effects of over-compartmentalized administration, address the issue of the redirection of the consumers' inquiries, and ensure remedy for victims. "Thirdly, we will implement fundamental measures for strengthening regional consumer administration, which has a direct impact on the consumers, including support from the central government. "I am sure that people have different opinions on these matters, and I acknowledge that many points are left for further examination. I would like the members of this Council to hold lively discussion on them to conclude the Council's opinion on the composition of the new organization that will help realize an administration that acts in the best interests of the consumers."