which is responsible for coordinating the activities of the French 
Research Councils, created two national groups in June 1975 to study 
recombinant DNA issues: 
• The Ethical Review Group. This is chaired by Professor Jean 
Bernard and has been given the responsibility of investigating 
the philosophical, legal, moral, and ethical issues involved in 
this research. 
• The Control Commission. This is chaired by Professor J.F. Miguel 
and is composed of experts in the field, a medical epidemiologist, 
and trade union representatives. It has been meeting monthly for 
the purpose of reviewing recombinant DNA research proposals and 
recommending appropriate safety procedures. Approximately 50 
proposals have been reviewed, with fewer than 10 requiring phys- 
ical containment above a low level. 
The Commission has also assumed the duties of a central administra- 
tive agency concerned with safety aspects of recombinant DNA technology. 
First, it has drafted a declaration of agreement under which governmental, 
academic, military, and industrial laboratories would submit recombinant 
DNA projects to the Commission for review while still in the planning 
stages. All of the research funding organizations of the French Govern- 
ment have agreed to adhere to this procedure, and the pharmaceutical in- 
dustry has agreed to cooperate voluntarily with the Commission. Indus- 
trial projects will be reviewed by one or two members of the Commission 
who will report orally to the full Commission. 
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