Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Fujimura

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I would first like to give an overview of the Cabinet meeting. The meeting approved 15 general and other measures, and also the promulgation of legislation, draft bills, cabinet orders and personnel decisions. With regard to statements by ministers, Minister Renho made a statement concerning the implementation of Disabled Persons' Week FY2011. Prime Minister Noda made a statement concerning temporary acting Ministers while Ministers in charge are on overseas visits.  while the Prime Minister is on an overseas visit.

In ministerial discussions following the Cabinet meeting, Minister Kawabata made a statement concerning the introduction of subsidies in the form of block grants. Prime Minister Noda and Minister Renho made statements concerning the proposal-based policy review by the Government Revitalization Unit.

I have one more item to report. On Sunday, December 4, the Prime Minister will attend the 15th International Labour Organization (ILO) Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting in Kyoto. He is scheduled to give an address at the opening ceremony of the meeting.

Q&As

REPORTER: Could you give us more specific information about the Prime Minister's statement in ministerial discussions concerning the proposal-based policy review?

(Abridged)

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I will read out the Prime Minister's statement as it is not very long. The statement is as follows: "At the meeting of the Government Revitalization Unit held on November 30, the results of the proposal-based policy review were reported. Each of the proposals that were compiled during the review process in front of many members of the public are important for the future of Japan, and they should accordingly be accorded due importance by the Cabinet and efforts should be made to lead the proposals through to concrete results. Based on these proposals we will proceed with revisions to Government expenditure in the course of the formulation of the fiscal 2012 budget. I would like the Cabinet to work together to arrive at the required conclusion and to engage in considerations relating to specific reforms of policies and systems in the relevant ministries and agencies. I would like the  Cabinet ministers concerned to take the lead in ensuring that measures are advanced proactively under the leadership of  ministers, senior vice ministers and parliamentary secretaries alike."

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question relating to the Imperial Family. There have been reports that a deliberative body has been established within the Government in order to carry out considerations based on specific national debate. What is the current state of these deliberations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Firstly, with regard to press reports that the Government has established a study group, although it is the case that on October 5, the Grand Steward of the Imperial Household Agency visited the Prime Minister to provide an explanation about his duties at the working level, including the matter of princely houses of female members of the Imperial Family, it is not the case that the Government immediately embarked upon specific considerations concerning this matter. The term "study group" gives the impression that experts are being invited to gather and discuss specific matters, but that is not the case here.

(Abridged)