Despite staunch opposition from some party members, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Tuesday cleared a controversial draft bill to dispose of 27.8 trillion yen in debt left by the former Japanese National Railways.

The draft includes a plan to force seven JR group firms to bear 360 billion yen of the debt; the money would partially cover pension costs for former JNR employees. The JR carriers, however, are firmly opposed to the additional financial burden.

Disregarding the opposition of four party members, the general council decided to leave the matter to five top LDP officials on the condition that Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto speaks to the presidents of the JR firms.