Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

JAPANESE

Q&As

REPORTER: This question is in relation to Unit 3 of the Tomari Nuclear Power station, which is currently in controlled operation. The Hokkaido Governor has displayed opposition to the Government's policy because she believes it neglects rural areas. In response, last night it appears that Minister Kaieda promised the Governor that he would not issue the results of the final inspection or a certificate of completion before the results of the deliberation within Hokkaido are known in order to attach emphasis on the Governor's decision. Consequently, the start of commercial operations, which was scheduled for today, has been postponed. How do you view the Government's response on this occasion? Also, on the local level people have pointed out that if the Government had implemented a more respectful response from the start, this unnecessary confusion would not have ensued. What are your thoughts on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: First of all, it is not true that the nuclear power station had planned to restart commercial operations today. The circumstances have always been that if a request from the Hokkaido Electric Power Company (HEPCO) was received for a comprehensive load performance test, the last test item for regular inspections, the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) would perform the test. Furthermore, I understand that NISA has performed this test. Several days ago I talked about the policy of double-checking, where NISA would report the results of the inspection to the Nuclear Safety Commission (NSC), requesting their views on the existence of safety concerns. I hear that this will take place in the not so distant future. In addition to this form of national administration - or in a broad sense, internal administration procedures - the understanding of local governments is tremendously important in ensuring the smooth operation of nuclear power stations. I have consistently heard that before the transition is ultimately made to restart commercial operations, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) will work to provide a thorough explanation to the Hokkaido government and others. I believe that it is these efforts that are being carried out.

REPORTER: Just to confirm, in that case is it safe to say that this chain of response was envisioned from the beginning and that there have been no flaws?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: From the start our policy has been to provide explanations to related municipal governments including Hokkaido on the various processes before issuing - I am not sure of the proper name, but - a certificate of inspection. I have not received a report of the detailed communications, but it is my understanding that, based on this policy, Minister Kaieda is working to provide that explanation to Hokkaido and other municipalities.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: In today's edition, our newspaper printed recommendations for disaster reconstruction. One recommendation suggested that the post-Prime Minister Kan administration swiftly determine its policies, and in doing so form a "super" Cabinet composed of mostly the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ). It also recommends that the Government should raise consumption tax to secure financial resources for reconstruction. As someone who has been involved in disaster reconstruction until now, what is your view on the role of the administration in addressing disaster reconstruction in the future, as well as the role of LDP-DPJ cooperation under the next administration? Also, what are your thoughts on utilizing consumption tax as a financial resource?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I have said this time and time again, but, while there may be people in various different positions, such as ministers or top officials in the ruling party, as the Chief Cabinet Secretary I fulfill a staff-like position under the Prime Minister. Therefore, I believe that it would be best if I avoid commenting on the affairs of a future administration as long as the Kan Cabinet is in place.

REPORTER: Regarding the issue of separating NISA from METI, some time has passed since Minister Hosono made his policy proposal. How are considerations on this issue progressing?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: It is my understanding that considerations are being carried out under Minister Hosono.

REPORTER: Two proposals have been made concerning the separation of NISA - one is to move it under the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) and another is to move it under the Cabinet Office. You have indicated that all parties share the same direction with regard to the separation. At the same time, yesterday, Prime Minister Kan indicated that he would step down after the passage of the two bills. Regarding the next organization, some people have pointed out that it is rash for the current Cabinet to decide such major policy issues in this fashion. What are your thoughts on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: Public administration cannot afford to remain static even for a day. I believe that as long as the Cabinet carries out its responsibility according the Constitution and laws, whatever the political circumstances may be, it is the Cabinet's responsibility to do whatever is in its power.

REPORTER: So, this is an issue of public administration? I think that disaster reconstruction, for instance, falls within the category of public administration. However, issues such as restructuring the ministries and agencies are major, political policy issues. And that -

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: Public administration includes politics. We use the term public administration to include all of these aspects.

(Abridged)