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the public health from an imminent potential hazard, the Committee also 
recommends that the Secretary have authority to enjoin the use or production 
of recombinant DNA molecules when he deems it necessary. 
The Committee also reviewed the question of civil liability in 
the event of injury to humans or the environment. It believes that actions 
for damages should be left to State and local law. It is concerned that 
the inclusion of standards for strict liability as proposed in S. 621 
could place a severe constraint on the ability of an institution to obtain 
liability insurance. It was predicted that, without insurance, institutions 
might have to terminate their research efforts unless national legislation 
were passed to indemnify them against adverse judgments. 
(8) Interagency Cooperation : 
Because of the wide potential use and production of recombinant 
DNA molecules and the need for uniform development and implementation 
of standards, the Committee recommends that mechanisms be established 
by the Secretary to ensure cooperation and coordination among appropriate 
Federal Departments and agencies. The National Institutes of Health is 
developing appropriate liaison between its Recombinant DNA Molecule Program 
Advisory Committee and relevant Federal research agencies, such as the 
Department of Agriculture, the National Science Foundation, and the Energy 
Research and Development Administration. 
VII. Future Agenda 
Pending action on possible legislation, the Committee stands ready to 
assist DHEW or whatever agency is made responsible for regulation of 
activities involving the use or production of recombinant DNA molecules. 
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