OCEANOGRAPHY 1961 — PHASE 3 181 



Mr. Hughes. Section 4? 



Mr. DiNGELL. Yes, section 4, which we have been discussing. 



Mr. Hughes. You mean on the assumption 



Mr. Dingell. There might be a fragmentation of functions. 



Mr. Hughes. What you would like is our suggestions as to how this 

 might be amended ? 



Mr. Dingell. Yes ; if you feel that would be helpful either to you 

 or to this committee. 



Mr. Hughes. I think it would be well to do that. 



Mr. Dingell. Do you see any objection to the National Instru- 

 mentation Test and Calibration Center in section 5 ? 



Mr. Hughes. My understanding is that the question of establish- 

 ment of this sort of center and its functions and organization is under 

 consideration in the executive branch now. I think, again, the objec- 

 tive here is an obvious outgrowth of the effort which is underway in 

 the field of oceanography. If you would like the same kind of com- 

 ments on section 5, as on section 4, I would be glad to provide them. 



Mr. Dingell. It could be very helpful to the conunittee, I am sure. 



Now I would like to refer you to section 6, assigning specific re- 

 sponsibilities to the Council, if you would like to comment on that 

 now or if you would like to give us subsequent comment. Do you see 

 any objection to section 6 insofar as duties assigned to the Council to 

 develop long-range plans for research, development, studies, and sur- 

 veys of aquatic environment? Do you see any strait jacket into whick 

 we are casting the Council or the executive departments of the Gov- 

 ernment by enacting this section ? 



Mr. Hughes. I think this is the section in which the question of 

 advisory function to the President would come up. 



Mr. Dingell. Do you conceive more possible flexibility than you 

 get under section (b) on page 4, line 9, wherein appears the following : 



In carrying out its functions under this Act the Council is authorized — 



(1) to delegate any of its functions to the head of any department, agency, 

 or instrumentality represented on the Council, and 



(2) to provide, on a cost reimbursable basis, and with the consent of the 

 head of the affected department, agency, or instrumentality, for the fullest 

 utilization of the facilities and personnel of departments, agencies, and in- 

 strumentalities in carrying out the purjmses of this Act. 



Can you conceive of more flexibility than we give there? 



Mr. Hughes. If it be determined by the Congress that there would 

 be a statutory Council, the desecription of functions here is a very 

 general one and, subject to some discussion with the experts in this 

 field, should fill the bill. There is the question still as to whether it 

 is desirable to formalize the Council and statutorily designate its mem- 

 bership. Secretary Wakelin mentioned the State Department as a 

 possible additional member. Conceivably that Department or other 

 departments might have varying interests in matters of concern tO' 

 this group that might make it desirable to add to or take away from 

 the membership as time passed. 



Mr. Dingell. Will you give us your full views as to additional 

 membership or restriction of membership on the Council? 



Mr. Hughes. I am not sure of the question. 



Mr. Dingell. Any additional members you feel should be included 

 in this Council or any restriction on the number of members of the; 

 Council, 



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