Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Fujimura

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA:This press conference follows the Cabinet meeting, so firstly, I will give an overview of today's Cabinet meeting. The meeting approved nine general and other measures, and also the promulgation of legislation, cabinet orders and personnel decisions. With regard to statements by ministers, the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications made a statement on the report and recommendations by the National Personnel Authority concerning the remuneration of national public servants in regular service. Minister Renho made a statement concerning the submission of opinions on the reform of the National Public Service Act to raise the age of retirement gradually to 65 years of age. The Prime Minister made a statement concerning acting Ministers while Ministers in charge are on overseas trips.

In addition, prior to the Cabinet meeting a ministerial meeting relating to remuneration of national public servants was held. A report had been received on September 30 from the National Personnel Authority concerning the reform of remuneration to national public servants, and today the ministerial meeting was convened to begin considerations on the handling of their remuneration for this fiscal year. In today's meeting, after the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications had provided an explanation of the National Personnel Authority's recommendations, the ministers engaged in consultations relating to the handling of remuneration for national public servants. The meeting did not reach a conclusion today and it was decided to engage in further considerations in the future based on various factors. The next ministerial meeting relating to remuneration of national public servants will be held at an appropriate timing, when the schedules of the various ministers concerned can be coordinated.

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER:Yesterday a report was issued by the Investigation Committee on TEPCO's Management and Finances, but this report did not touch upon such issues as reforms to the power generation structure, the separation of power generation from transmission, and local monopolies. What is the stance and way of thinking of the Noda Administration on such issues?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA:Yesterday the report compiled by the Investigation Committee on TEPCO's Management and Finances was submitted to Prime Minister Noda. The contents of the report are as has been announced. With regard to whether the efforts by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) to engage in management rationalization have been sufficient, the Government will be making a judgment from now, as part of the process of approving the special business plan that will be formulated based on the report submitted by the Investigation Committee. In addition, consideration will be given to the reform of the power generation structure, including a review of the overall cost method for electricity utility tariffs, as has been pointed out in the report.

(Abridged)