18 
Dr. Hiller of the FT]^ strongly endorsed the sense of the notion. He 
said, alnost %rithout exoeptlon, the nosaic of local regulations has been 
sore draconian, mch less enlightened th^m the NIH Guidelines, and 
slower to evol\«. ^ 
Cr. Martin suggested that the phrase "best interests of the public" be sub- 
stituted for the phrase "best interest of recombinant DNA activity." 
Hr. Mitchell agreed. 
Dr. Nightingale requested a clarification of the word "activity" in the 
motion. Hr. Hitch^l replied that "activity" is an all inclusive term 
meant to cover research, development, production, etc. 
Drs. Ahned and Goldstein supported the sentiment expressed by the motion. 
However, Dr. Goldstein said he %oxld vote against the language as he felt 
local connunities would regard it as arrogant. Mr. Mitchell said he had 
chosen the verb "defer" to avoid the appearance of arrogance. The language 
urges that any actions be based on scientific grounds, and places the 
bun3en of proof upon advocates of local action. Dr. Friedman agreed. 
cr. Ahmed asked vhether addition of the phrase "in as much as possible" 
would soften the language of the sentence: 
"... therefore, be it resolved that RAC strongly recommends 
that local and state govemnents defer to the NIH Guidelines . . ." 
Mr. Thornton thought the verb "defer" alone was actually softer. 
Dr. Mason said he could envisage situations in which local action might be 
necessary because of irresponsible action by a local academic or industrial 
group. He hoped RAC did not intend to say that local action should not be 
taioen in such cases. Cr. Goldstein stated that communities realize that 
vhile universities are under sanctions, industry is not. Cr. Bems said 
that Mr. Mitchell's language specifies that vfnen local entities legislate, 
they should defer to the NIH Guidelines in the scientific oonponent of the 
legislation. 
Dr. Mason said that many aspects of industrial scale-up are not covered by 
the Guidelines, yet the proposed language implies the existence of such 
guidance. He questioned whether RAC might amend the language to remove 
such implications. IT. McGarrity suggested the phrase "DNA activity" be 
modified to "DA research activity." 
Dr. Ahmed said he supported the resolution but would prefer that a statement, 
delineating the scope of RAC activities, be appended to the language. 
If the committee could not formulate such a statement today, he hoped the 
Director's preamble to the acceptance of the December 7, 1981, proposed 
would state that neither RAC nor the NIH deeds with mechanical assets of 
industrial scad e-up activities. 
( 347 ) 
