13 
large a committee can become and still function effectively is an important 
cons ide ration . 
Dr. Davis expressed concern about the analogy which Mr. Rifkin drew between 
the activities of the Working Group on Release into the Environment and 
the Working Group on Human Gene Therapy. He felt ecologists can offer 
pertinent technical advice and should participate in reviews of experiments 
involving release of modified organisms into the environment. He questioned, 
however, whether theologians are in a position to give equally pertinent 
society-wide answers in the matter of morals. 
Mr. Rifkin said theologians would "have a lot to say that would be very 
important about the question of where the human race goes frcm here." 
Scientists can perform a useful role in educating theologians , and theo- 
logians can inform scientists about the larger ethical and social questions. 
Dr. Walters said two members of the Working Group on Human Gene Therapy 
have theological training; one is a member of the Department of Religious 
Studies at the University of Virginia. 
Dr. Lardy said no one group appears to have unique insights to contribute 
to the discussion of human gene therapy. The issues in human gene therapy 
are matters for broad public discussion. 
Mr. Mitchell said the points to consider have been widely distributed for 
public comment. The document was published twice in the Federal Register , 
and a special effort was made to distribute it to individuals who expressed 
interest in these issues. 
Dr. Walters moved that RAC adept the points to consider as published for 
camerrt in the August 19, 1985, Federal Register , with the fourteen technical 
amendments proposed by the Sutworking Group on Human Gene Therapy plus the 
two technical amendments offered by RAC (Attachment II). Dr. Gottesman 
seconded the motion. 
By a vote of seventeen in favor, none opposed, and no abstentions, the RAC 
adopted the "Points to Consider in the Design and Submission of Human 
Somatic-Cell Gene Therapy Protocols." 
IV. BIOTECHNOLOGY SCIENCE BOARD 
Mr. Mitchell introduced Dr. Bemadine Healy, the Deputy Director of the 
Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) of the Executive Office of 
the President. Mr. Mitchell said Dr. Healy is the Chair of the Cabinet 
Council Working Group on Biotechnology that issued the December 31, 1984, 
Federal Register proposed, (tab 1242) for a coordinated framework for bio- 
technology regulation and oversight. Mr. Mitchell said the Cabinet Council 
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