Optimistic, because broadly-based reform does seem to be getting under way in certain sectors. Given that we believe our proposals to be well founded, this response is disappointing. We cannot entirely avoid the impression that resistance to specific deregulation measures is increasing, both within ministries and via interest groups. Yet there are also many areas in which the spirit of reform does not seem to have taken hold. Agriculture is a case in point.
Competition policy is another.
Our conclusion is therefore that the seed for substantial deregulation of the Japanese economy has been sown, but that a great deal remains to be done. It is important to avoid the process being buried. It has also to be said that, even where measures are agreed, the speed of implementation is usually too slow. Examples, such as the decision to change the definition of sodium azide, demonstrate very clearly that the process can be accelerated significantly if the political will exists. As far as our own proposals are concerned, we have looked at them again in the light of the interim reports.