Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru has directed the Liberal Democratic Party’s political reform working group to discuss the elimination of policy activity fees paid by parties to legislators.

The panel, which was formed in October under the direct supervision of LDP Chairman Ishiba, met for the first time on Tuesday.

Ishiba told about 120 members of parliament that political funds are mainly used for public welfare and are tax-free. But he said many people have doubts about whether the money was actually spent that way.

Ishiba said he wants the LDP to take the initiative in finding a solution to this problem and not do it just because the opposition camp says so.

Ishiba told the panel that disclosure of how research, public relations and accommodation fees were spent will be discussed, as well as refunding unused funds. He said he wanted them to discuss the abolition of policy activity fees and come to a conclusion. He spoke with the aim of revising the law on control of political funds by the end of the year at the earliest.

Ishiba also asked members to discuss how to handle contributions from businesses and organizations and compile the party’s views without setting a deadline.