The ruling and opposition camps on Tuesday locked horns over the recent money-for-favors scandal, with the LDP saying one of its Diet members implicated in the case will not testify until after the fiscal 2001 budget clears the Lower House.

Four opposition parties reacted by threatening to boycott today's House of Representatives Budget Committee.

What's more, if the ruling and opposition camps fail to reach a comprise, the opposition may again boycott all Diet activities as it did for nearly three weeks during the previous Diet session in the fall.