Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru has instructed his Liberal Democratic Party's task force on political reform to discuss abolishing policy activity fees paid by parties to legislators.

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

Ishiba told about 120 member legislators that political funds are basically used for public welfare and are tax-free. He said, however, many people have doubts about whether the money is actually spent that way.

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

Ishiba told the panel to discuss disclosing the spending of fees on research, PR and accommodations, as well as returning unused funds. He said he also wants them to debate abolishing policy activity fees and reach a conclusion. He spoke with a view to revising the political funds control law by the end of the year at the earliest.

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