Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The issue related to the special intelligence protection bill
• The issue related to decommissioning of nuclear power station in Fukushima

REPORTER: I have a question about the special intelligence protection bill. Discussions on amendments to the bill continue today with the Japan Restoration Party, but still there appear to be differences on some points. Do the Government and the ruling party feel that they should take the time to discuss this until a consensus is reached?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: All of this is being dealt with at the site of the discussions, and negotiations are being carried out onsite. We wish to leave it to the discretion of all who are involved in the onsite discussions.

REPORTER: While this is precisely a matter for the Diet Affairs Committee, I believe the initial target for the timing of the approval of the bill by the House of Representatives had been set for some time this week. Do you have an intention to take the full amount of time needed for careful consideration without being too particular about the timeline?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Well, that will also be left to the discretion of those involved in the discussions at the site. Both houses of the Diet have a Diet Affairs Committee, and I feel certain that they will work closely together in handling this matter.

REPORTER: There are media reports stating that Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) will inform the local governments of its decision within this month that Units 5 and 6 of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station will be decommissioned. Could you give us your views on this matter? Secondly, with regard to the decommissioning of Fukushima Daini Nuclear Power Station, TEPCO President Hirose has stated that the company would take into account discussions on the national energy policy. What are your views about the decommissioning of Fukushima Daini Nuclear Power Station?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First, with regard to Units 5 and 6 of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, from the perspective of focusing on decommissioning the same plant, the Prime Minister requested TEPCO in September to consider decommissioning Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. I understand that TEPCO is presently engaged in discussions about this matter. However, we have not received any reports that they have arrived at a conclusion. As for Fukushima Daini Nuclear Power Station, my understanding is that as of this point in time, no decisions have been made with regard to how it will be handled.

(Abridged)