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"We are noc saying Chat research should be halted. We are urging 
that it should proceed under careful safeguards unless and until ve have 
a better understanding of the risks and benefits posed by use of recombinant 
DNA techniques without government regulation," Calif ano said. 
While agreeing with what he called the prudent recommendations of 
the Interagency Committee in this limited and most exceptional area, 
Califano reaffirmed his commitment to the principle of unfettered inauiry 
that applies in scientific research. 
The Interagency Committee is composed of representatives of Federal 
departments and agencies that support and conduct recombinant DNA research 
or that have present or potential regulatory authority in this area. 
The Interagency Committee recommended that any legislation should, 
among other things: 
* place primary responsibility for the administration of the act 
on the Secretary of HEW; 
• require any person engaging in such research, production, or 
use of DNA recombinant molecules to do so only at a facility 
licensed by the Secretary; 
require any person engaging in 9uch activity to do so only after 
the project has been registered with the Secretary; and 
the Secretary should have authority to Inspect facilities, make 
environmental measurements, and take other steps to ensure safety. 
The Committee pointed out that this legislation would establish 
uniform standards for such activities throughout the Nation. 
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