61.   The fall was attributed to the Kobe earthquake, which paralyzed a major port for some time.

62.   The labour office attributed the fall to seasonal factors and signs of improvement in the economy.

63.   The Japan Iron and Steel Federation attributed the fall to intensified international price-cutting competition in Southeast Asia, the main export market for Japanese steel products.

64.   The Japan Chain Stores Association attributed the fall to relatively cool weather.

65.   The minister attributed the fall in the number of addicts to a drop in the amount of drugs imported from Afghanistan and Pakistan.