The three ruling coalition parties agreed in principle on Monday to temporarily freeze collection of premiums for a planned public-care insurance system for the elderly, to be launched in April, party officials said.

The Liberal Democratic Party, the Liberal Party and New Komeito also agreed not to revise the law concerning the public-care system, meaning that any "freeze" on collection of the premium will last less than one year, according to the party officials.

The suspension has been a focus of policy talks as the ruling parties are already looking toward a Lower House election to be held by October next year. The three parties will further negotiate how long the suspension will last.