Prime Minister Naoto Kan attended the first meeting of the Investigation Committee on TEPCO's Management and Finances at the Prime Minister's Office.

The Investigation Committee holds its meetings with the purpose of investigating the management and finances of Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) to rigorously evaluate its assets and thoroughly review its expenses, and of drawing upon the investigation findings to determine the Government's assistance scheme for TEPCO.

The Prime Minister said in his opening address, "The bill to establish an organization for supporting the nuclear disaster compensation payments was approved by the Cabinet on June 14. In accordance with this bill, keeping in mind that it is indispensable that financial assistance to TEPCO is provided in a way which minimizes the burden on the people, I have asked for everyone's cooperation in establishing this committee under Minister Kaieda as the minister in charge of this issue of nuclear energy.
The Committee is tasked with investigating the management and finances of TEPCO, including a rigorous assessment of its assets and a thorough review of its expenses as well as a review of its business.
Bearing in mind the investigation findings of the Committee, the Government will determine its financial assistance for TEPCO and other measures.
I would like to ask that a thorough investigation is conducted and a report is compiled by September."