16 



The implication of this experience for the federal labs, especially those 

 which are no longer needed for military purposes, is that they should simply 

 be closed. The experience of history is that no longer needed labs should not 

 be kept open and converted to commercial work. The best way to commer- 

 cialize their capabilities is to transfer their people to industry and academia. 



Summarizing my comments, keeping the federal labs open will require a 

 significant investment in buildings and equipment. This gives us the opportu- 

 nity to rethink their status. Those missions still required should be consoli- 

 dated. Those labs no longer needed for their original missions should simply 

 be closed. They should not be given a totally new mission. 



At best, that would lead to an unwarranted subsidy for industries which can 

 afford the research themselves. More likely, it would lead to expensive medi- 

 ocrity. 



We cannot afford to waste precious R6cD dollars on subsidies to industry or 

 on second-rate laboratories. 



That completes my prepared statement. I would be pleased to respond to 

 questions. 



[The prepared statement of Dr. Martino starts on p.96 of Submissions for 

 the Record:] 



Senator Sarbanes. Thank you very much. I have one question. I just want 

 to be clear exacdy what your position is. In your written statement, you say, "I 

 am here to suggest an alternative, that instead of being repaired, they simply 

 be closed down," with respect to the laboratories. 



Dr. Martino. Yes, sir. 



Senator Sarbanes. But in your oral statement, you inserted the phrase, 

 "where appropriate." 



Dr. Martino. I wish I had said that in the written statement. Some labo- 

 ratories obviously are appropriate. 



Senator Sarbanes. Is it your position that all of these labs ought to be 

 closed, that there's no rationale for sustaining any of these labs under the cur- 

 rent system? Is that your position? 



Dr. Martino. No, that is not my position. 



Senator Sarbanes. Okay. 



Dr. Martino. But many of them should be closed. Some few should 

 probably remain open. 



Senator Sarbanes. I wanted to be clear about that. And on the criticism of 

 the Agriculture Research Service, were you applying this to BARC itself or to 

 the field stations, primarily? 



Dr. Martino. Most of the criticism there appears to be directed at the 

 field stations. I am repeating comments made by two different studies by the 

 National Academy of Sciences and by the General Accounting Office, as well 

 as some minor studies. 



Senator Sarbanes. Do you extend that to the Beltville Agricultural Re- 

 search Center? 



Dr. Martino. I have no personal knowledge about Beltsville. I cannot 

 comment. 



Senator Sarbanes. Now, it is your view that NASA should close out all its 

 R&D? 



