Japan's top government spokesperson has said the prime minister, his ministers and some other senior officials will return salary increases to the state coffers if a pay-raise bill for such people is enacted.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu was speaking to reporters on Thursday. Deliberations are underway on the bill in the Diet.

Under the bill, the salary of Prime Minister Kishida Fumio would rise by 460,000 yen, or about 3,000 dollars, a year. Remuneration for Cabinet ministers will also increase by 320,000 yen, or about 2,100 dollars.

Some in the ruling and opposition camps say the pay increase is inappropriate as people are struggling with rising prices.

Matsuno said the senior officials have no intention of benefiting themselves, but added that the government should not cause public distrust. He said Kishida, Cabinet ministers and some other senior officials plan to return the raises to the state coffers if the bill is enacted.

Matsuno said among the senior central government officials are people in various positions, and that their salaries have been revised in accordance with increases for ordinary civil servants.

He asked for understanding for the early passage of the bill, saying that it is appropriate to continue revisions in line with private-sector pay increases.