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population, at the level of the scientific advisor to the President, 
was suggested as a means of uniformly interpreting and enforcing the 
guidelines and resolving any interagency conflicts that might arise. 
Dr. Charles Carter, representing the Energy Research and Development 
Administration, reported that there is currently no recombinant DNA 
research in progress or being planned but that there are many investigators 
working on the rim of this area (i.e., enzyme preparation). ERDA has 
sent instructions to all its laboratories that the NIH guidelines are 
to be adhered to. These instructions have the force of regulations 
within the agency and a unit exists to insure compliance. Since most 
research, both extramural and intramural, is conducted within ERDA-owned 
facilities, stringent surveillance is possible. There is some research 
activity, however, in independent and university laboratories which 
cannot be monitored as closely. In addition, the biological divisions 
throughout the agency have formed recombinant DNA research committees 
to evaluate any future activities, facilities, and practices. 
Dr. Carter then suggested that a proposal, after receiving a scientific 
review by ERDA staff, be forwarded to an NIH study section for both a 
scientific and a biohazards review, with ERDA retaining the right of 
final approval or disapproval. This is viewed as useful from a manage- 
ment standpoint because it will facilitate the creation of a registry, 
eliminate duplication, provide a uniform basis for selecting projects, 
and will provide national oversight of local training procedures and 
biohazards committees. 
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