Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Fujimura

• The Reconstruction Promotion Council

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA:

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Furthermore, the fourth meeting of the Reconstruction Promotion Council was held after the Cabinet meeting. At the meeting, discussion took place on the basic concept concerning future reconstruction-related budgets. The Council has decided on the Government's conceptualization of future reconstruction-related budget allocations as well as the Government's suspension of the enforcement of reconstruction budgets, including items in this fiscal year's budget. In this connection, it was confirmed that the procedure for carrying forward a budget due to unforeseeable reasons, etc., will be simplified to further extend the carry-forward period from two fiscal years to three fiscal years. Prime Minister Noda stated, "In accordance with the basic concept concerning future reconstruction-related budgets, the Government will enforce this fiscal year's reconstruction-related budgets and formulate next fiscal year's budget," and "The ministers concerned with the simplification of the procedure for carrying forward the budget due to unforeseeable reasons, etc., will take necessary measures for the smooth execution of programs in the disaster area." For more information about the meeting, I ask that you please direct your questions to the Reconstruction Agency.

(Abridged)

Q&As

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