4 
industry means that if recommendations can be brought forward 
quickly, they can be adopted in the "initial capitalization" of the 
industry, without the problem of "retrofit." 
Drs. Bingham and Robbins both said they thought it inappro- 
priate for the same government unit to be involved in both promoting 
a technology and protecting against its possible hazards. 
General Discussion 
Dr. Omenn endorsed the systematic review of potential risks and 
cited as a step in this direction the upcoming Recombinant DNA Risk 
Assessment Workshop, to be held in Pasadena, California, April 11- 
12. Many of the Subcommittee members indicated they would be 
attending . 
Dr. Barkley said that, in his view, the NIH Guidelines for 
Recombinant DNA Research had done much to educate scientists in good 
laboratory practices in general. Even though he believes that 
recombinant DNA itself is not a major industrial microbiological 
hazard, the building of a consensus on appropriate control 
technology in this area could have important implications for 
controlling more serious hazards. 
Dr. Robbins said that a registry of workers in this field 
should be begun now on a voluntary basis. Dr. Omenn said he hoped 
that when NIOSH has a more detailed plan for such a registry, it 
would be discussed with this Subcommittee. 
Dr. Goldberg spoke of an inspection referral system, instituted 
by the Interagency Regulatory Liaison Group, whereby inspectors from 
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