Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: In the recent House of Representatives Special Committee on Reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake, Prime Minister Noda indicated that the Government would consider an increase in the number of Cabinet ministers in relation to the establishment of a Reconstruction Agency. A draft bill aiming to increase the number of Cabinet ministers and senior vice ministers was submitted to the Diet during the tenure of Prime Minister Kan, but was withdrawn. Are we to understand that the Noda Administration seeks to resubmit this draft bill?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: In the recent Diet questions I believe it was committee member Ms. Michiyo Takagi of the New Komeito Party who asked a question concerning whether it was necessary to increase the number of ministers. In response, Minister Noda stated that the Reconstruction Agency will be an organization directly under the Cabinet, headed by the Prime Minister, but given the considerable scope and volume of the work that will need to be done on reconstruction and in order to advance promptly with reconstruction efforts, the Government is considering increasing the number of ministers and appointing a Minister for Reconstruction. This is something that is currently being considered and is not something that requires a hasty conclusion.

(Abridged)