Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe said at an Upper House committee meeting Friday that the current newspaper delivery system with a nationwide uniform rate should be maintained.
The system is "important from the standpoint of (guaranteeing) the people's right to know and promoting cultural development. It is a service desired by most people, and it should continue to be maintained," Abe told the Upper House Budget Committee.
The Fair Trade Commission in 1955 prohibited newspaper publishers from giving discounts on subscription fees by making a special designation to prevent intense sales competition.
But the commission announced last November it will consider lifting the designation, saying the measure was only introduced as an emergency measure and is no longer necessary.
"I hope the commission will consider (reviewing the designation) from the standpoint of how it can protect the benefits of the people and enhance them," Abe said.