Press Conference by the Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

JAPANESE

Q&As

REPORTER: A moment ago, I believe you were meeting with Mayor Katsunobu Sakurai of Minamisoma City and you explained about the areas outside of the evacuation zone in Fukushima Prefecture which have high doses of radiation. I believe Minamisoma City and Date City, among others, fall into this category. Is the Government considering taking any measures for these areas, such as evacuation? What does the Government intend to do?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUKUYAMA: A moment ago, Mayor Sakurai of Minamisoma City was here, and I explained about the situation of the "hot spots" which you just noted, that is, the areas which have extremely high doses of radiation. Primarily, we discussed what response measures should be taken together with the Government. Naturally, Mayor Sakurai understands the circumstances, and I understand he has heard several wishes expressed by the residents. Therefore, also bearing in mind the wishes of the residents, and furthermore, in consultation with the Mayor of Minamisoma City, we hope to reach a conclusion as soon as possible on how we will respond. The same is true for Date City. With Date City, we have already begun discussing the actual measures to be taken. The Government plans to take further safe and conservative measures, which will take greater account of the health of the residents.

REPORTER: The mayor has said that some residents have expressed a desire to evacuate. By "further safe and conservative measures," did you mean the Government is now considering evacuating the areas?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUKUYAMA: I understand the residents also have requests. As to what we will say to the residents on account of the high doses of radiation, this is now being considered within the Government. Indeed, we hope to reach a conclusion quickly through listening to the wishes of the cities and residents.

REPORTER: Regarding the second supplementary budget, there are some speculations that it will amount to 10 trillion yen to 15 trillion yen. At this point in time, what is the amount that the Government foresees will be necessary at the minimum?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUKUYAMA: Regarding the size of the second supplementary budget, first of all, we are now at the stage of receiving requests and pointers on items which are still short of funds with the first supplementary budget, etc. At the same time, we are now waiting for the proposals of the Reconstruction Design Council. Furthermore, the respective prefectures are now in the process of formulating their reconstruction plans and so on. Thus, I believe it is not appropriate that I mention an amount at this point in time. I think the size and so forth of the second supplementary budget should be considered upon a careful review of the items I just mentioned.

REPORTER: The Nippon Keidanren and the Japan Association of Corporate Executives have said one after another that next year is too late for the establishment of the reconstruction agency. What are your thoughts on these calls for speedier actions as a whole?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUKUYAMA: I am pleased to say that the discussions with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and New Komeito to revise the draft Basic Act on Reconstruction have been completed, and that we can expect a new Chairman's draft to be submitted to the Diet. I am very pleased to be able to tell those people affected by the earthquake that the political community is making significant moves to advance reconstruction. And actually, once the Basic Act on Reconstruction is passed, as you can see from the contents of the legislation, a reconstruction headquarters will be launched and headquarters will immediately be established in the respective prefectures, in terms of speed. This will probably be much more efficient and quicker than launching a new government agency like a reconstruction agency, and I believe this will allow us to take action which is in line with the actual situation. In terms of speed, I believe completing the discussions among the ruling and opposition parties, quickly passing the legislation, swiftly entering it into force, and being able to start taking action is the quickest possible option. I personally believe the current approach is the fastest with regards to speed. At the same time, we still need to work out the details on what role the reconstruction agency will have and how to establish its operating mechanism. Therefore, I believe these details of the reconstruction agency can be decided in the form of a new legislation by observing the progress of the reconstruction, the wishes of the respective prefectures, and the flow of the restoration and reconstruction work of the municipalities, and in consultation with those from the other political parties. Thus, I believe the criticism about the establishment of the reconstruction agency being late is unjustified.

(Abridged)