The Assembly,
Having regard to the conclusions of the 2nd Parliamentary and Scientific Conference held at Vienna from 23rd to 27th May 1964, which were brought to its notice in the report on that Conference (Doc.1778);
Having regard to Order No. 233 on the 2nd Parliamentary and Scientific Conference;
Having taken cognizance of the new report of the Cultural and Scientific Committee on the role of the Consultative Assembly in the development of European co-operation in the scientific field (Doc.1821);
Re-affirming its determination to contribute, in accordance with the Statute of the Council of Europe, to the strengthening of European co-operation in the scientific field, and conscious of the role which it is called upon to play in the present situation, particularly in regard to the promotion of a general awareness of the problems of science policy;
Considering that the influence of science is making itself felt to such an extent in all spheres of government that it is necessary to appoint in each country a Minister specially responsible for scientific questions or some other Minister with wide powers to co-ordinate general policy and administration, not only in his own country but also at international level,
Recommends to the Committee of Ministers :
1. to communicate to the Governments of member countries and signatories of the Cultural Convention the conclusions and final report of the 2nd Parliamentary and Scientific Conference, drawing their attention in particular to Point 4 (A) of the conclusions which runs as follows :
"That there should be in each country a Minister who is charged solely or together with other responsibilities with the promotion and co-ordination of science policy in all its aspects" ;
2. to communicate to the Secretary-General of OECD Resolution 284 and the report of the Cultural and Scientific Committee on the role of the Consultative Assembly in the development of European co-operation in the scientific field, suggesting that he should transmit them to the Interim Committee of the Ministerial Conference on Science;
Instructs the President :
3. to call the attention of the national Parliaments to the conclusions of the 2nd Parliamentary and Scientific Conference, inviting them :
to set up, without delay, parliamentary and scientific committees where they do not yet exist;
to examine, where the need arises, the advisability of changing their procedure and the organisation of their work by setting up standing parliamentary committees for science;
to strengthen the machinery for informing their members about scientific questions.