Press Conference

Press Conference by the Defense Minister (08:41-08:43 A.M. January 31, 2012): Press Conference by the Defense Minister
Time & Date:08:41-08:43 A.M. January 31, 2012
Place: In front of the Prime Minister's Office
(This is a provisional translation of an announcement by the Defense Minister and the Q&A session at the subsequent press conference for reference purposes only)
The original text is in Japanese.

1. Announcements

None

2. Questions and Answers

Question:
Yesterday, when you were asked how you were going to confront the Diet in the plenary session, you said that you “would like to make the most of what I have.” The intensive deliberation for the committee on budget is scheduled to commence today. The opposition is expected to question you on the Futenma Air Station relocation issue and such. What kind of stance or feeling are you going to have in these intensive deliberations and committee on budget?

Minister:
I would like to keep my wits up in the process. I will do what I can to give the correct answers.

Question:
I would like to change the topic. An on-site investigation based on a special inquiry will be held today on Mitsubishi Electric Corporation where overcharging has been uncovered in the contract with the Ministry of Defense (MOD). What kind of things do you feel should be made apparent?

Minister:
I would like to watch over the inspections, and we must make sure that this will not be repeated again. Since it involves corporate activities, the MOD will need to shape up to work on such issues. I feel that we need to watch over the inspections.

Question:
The case of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation seems quite malicious. Does the MOD have any intention to file a criminal complaint after the investigations or something along such lines?

Minister:
As far as in today’s situation, we are not thinking of such things. However, depending on the development of the investigations, we may need to consider how we should act to ensure that this will not happen again.

(End)