Statutory report on the status of conventions and agreements and amendments thereto

Statutory report on the status of conventions and agreements and amendments thereto

583. In accordance with paragraph 5 of Rule XXI of the General Rules of the Organization the Director-General shall report to the Conference whenever a convention, agreement, supplementary convention or agreement has, in accordance with its terms, come into force or ceased to be in force, or has been amended and the amendments come into force.

584. The Conference had before it the "Statutory Report on the Status of Conventions and Agreements and Amendments Thereto"(C 67/45), which was submitted in accordance with the above requirement.

585. The Conference also considered documents C 67/45-Sup. 1 and Sup. 2 regarding the amendment to Article IV of the "Convention placing the International Poplar Commission within the framework of FAO"which was adopted by the Second Special Session of the International Poplar Commission held on 30 October 1967.

586. The Conference approved the Statutory Report mentioned above and in conformity with the provisions of Article XII-3 of the Convention Placing the International Poplar Commission within the Framework of FAO adopted the following resolution:

Resolution No. 18/67

Amendment to Article IV of the Convention Placing the International Poplar Commission within the Framework of FAO

THE CONFERENCE

Considering the terms of Article IV of the Convention placing the International Poplar Commission within the framework of FAO, in accordance with which "each contracting Nation shall make provision, as soon as possible and to the best of its ability, for the establishment of a National Poplar Commission.... ";

Considering further that the Government of Canada, by Note Verbale of 29 December 1966 formally proposed an amendment to that provision, designed to enable the parties to the Convention to choose between the establishment of a National Poplar Commission and the designation of some other suitable national body to discharge the functions which would otherwise be incumbent on the National Poplar Commission;

Noting that the Convention, in accordance with Article XII, paragraphs 1 and 3 thereof, may be amended by the Commission by a two-thirds majority of its membership, and that amendments become effective only with the concurrence of the FAO Conference and as from the date of such concurrence;

Noting further that the International Poplar Commission at its Second Special Session held on 30 October 1967, adopted by the required two-thirds majority of its membership, the amendment to Article IV of the aforementioned Convention as proposed by the Government of Canada;

Approves the amendment to Article IV of the Convention as adopted by the Second Special Session of the International Poplar Commission, the text of which reads as follows: (words added are underlined)

"Each contracting Nation shall make provision as soon as possible and to the best of its ability, either for the establishment of a National Poplar Commission, or, if not possible, for the designation of some other suitable national body, and shall transmit a description of the competence and scope of the National Commission or other body and of any changes thereto, to the Director-General of the Organization who shall circulate this information to the other Member Nations of the Commission. Each contracting Nation shall communicate to the Director-General the publications of its National Commission or other body. "

(Adopted 21.11. 67)

587. The Conference suggested that the form of the English text of this amendment should be improved so as to conform to the French and Spanish texts, which were more precise. To this end, it recommended that the International Poplar Commission adopt an English text to read: "or, if this is not possible", and of such other body".

Relationship agreements with international organizations

a) Draft agreement between FAO and the organization of African unity (OAU)
b) Progress regarding relationship agreements with Area banks

a) Draft agreement between FAO and the organization of African unity (OAU)

588. The Conference noted with satisfaction that considerable progress had been made towards the conclusion of a formal agreement establishing relations between FAO and OAU. Being informed that agreement had been reached on all but one question, the Conference hoped that it would be possible for the formal agreement to be approved in the near future.

b) Progress regarding relationship agreements with Area banks

589. The Conference noted with satisfaction the progress made in establishing formal working relations with the African Development Bank and the Asian Development Bank, and also the stage reached in discussions which were under way with the Inter-American Development Bank and the Central American Bank of Economic Integration. The Conference expressed its strong support for co-operative activities with the area banks.

590. The Conference had before it the text of a Memorandum of Understanding Regarding Co-operation between FAO and the African Development Bank and a Note on Procedure for ad hoc Co-operative Action between FAO and the Asian Development Bank. These instruments had been approved by the Council at its Forty-Ninth Session, subject to confirmation by the Conference, in accordance with Rule XXIV-4(c) of the General Rules of the Organization. The Conference was advised that the agreements, while already being implemented on an ad hoc basis, were subject to adoption by the respective governing bodies of the African Development Bank and the Asian Development Bank.

591. The Conference decided to confirm these instruments, and adopted the following resolution:

Resolution No. 19/67

Arrangements with the African Development Bank and the Asian Development Bank

THE CONFERENCE

Considering the desirability of establishing close co-operation between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and both the African Development Bank and the Asian Development Bank on matters of common concern;

Noting that the Forty-Ninth Session of the Council, acting in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXIV-4(c) of the General Rules of the Organization, had approved a Memorandum of Understanding Regarding Cooperation between FAO and the African Development Bank and a Note on Procedure for ad hoc Co-operative Action between FAO and the Asian Development Bank, subject to confirmation by the Conference;

Confirms the decision of the Forty-Ninth Session of the Council approving the above-mentioned instruments, the texts of which are reproduced as Appendices E and F hereto.

(Adopted 21.11.67)

Relations with international organizations and granting of consultative status to international non-governmental organizations

592. The Conference took note of the report (C 67/49), which the Director-General had submitted in accordance with the policy governing relations with international organizations, adopted at the Seventh Session of the Conference. It also noted that since the issue of the report, the International Society of Soil Science had been granted Specialized Consultative Status, and the European Committee of Sugar Manufacturers had been granted Liason Status.

African convention for the conservation and management of wildlife

593. The Conference learned that, following a recommendation of its 11th Session held in 1961, the ad hoc Working Party on Wildlife Management of the FAO African Forestry Commission had prepared, in consultation with interested African Member Nations, a draft African Convention for the Conservation and Management of Wildlife. At a session held at Fort-Lamy, Chad, in February 1967, this Working Party had evolved a procedure to be followed for the formal adoption of this convention as drafted.

594. The Conference was informed that earlier a Conference on Natural Resources, held in Lagos in 1964, under the sponsorship of Unesco and the UN Economic Commission for Africa, had recommended that the Organization for African Unity (OAU) entrust to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), assisted by Unesco and FAO, the preparation of a draft convention on all natural resources. In turn, the Council of Ministers of OAU, at its 9th Session in Kinshasa in September 1967, had expressed the desire for a single convention covering all natural resources.

595. The Conference adopted the following resolution:

Resolution No. 20/67

African Convention for the Conservation and Management of Wildlife

THE CONFERENCE

Expresses its satisfaction with the draft Wildlife Convention drawn up by the African Forestry Commission's ad hoc Working Party on Wildlife Management, as meeting the urgent needs of member countries and particularly of the services in Africa responsible for the conservation and management of wildlife;

Requests the Director-General to transmit as soon as possible the text of this draft Convention to the Governments of Member Nations of Africa, inviting them to take it into account in revising their national legislation;

Considers that the finalization of a comprehensive Convention on the Conservation and Management of all natural resources will require very considerable time and, therefore;

Invites the Director-General of FAO to examine with Unesco, the Organization for African Unity (OAU), and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) the possibility of formally presenting a single instrument to a diplomatic conference of African States, this instrument to include a protocol on the conservation and wise use of all natural resources and a detailed convention on the conservation and management of wildlife in Africa;

Authorizes the Director-General to call such a diplomatic conference jointly with the other interested organizations in the event of it being possible to draw up the said single instrument;

Invites the Director-General, further, to examine later with the organizations concerned the formulation of a similarly detailed convention on the conservation and management of other natural resources.

(Adopted 23.11. 67)

596. The Pakistan Delegation expressed the wish that a similar instrument be drawn up for South East Asia, including a convention for the conservation and management of wildlife and appropriate provisions to cover all other natural resources.

Membership of the FAO/UNICEF joint policy committee

597. In examining the Director-General's report on FAO/UNICEF relations (CL 48/11), the Council at its Forty-Eighth Session also considered the question whether it would be desirable for FAO to assume the cost of travel and subsistence allowances for one delegate of each member of the FAO/ UNICEF Joint Policy Committee appointed by FAO. In this connection, the Council noted that this practice had been followed by UNICEF.

598. The Council was cognizant of the fact that, according to paragraph 32 (ii) of the Principles governing conventions and agreements as well as bodies established under Article VI of the Constitution, the expenses of members of Article VI bodies attending sessions as government representatives were to be borne by the respective government. As this Principle had been adopted by the Conference, any departure therefrom would be subject to authorization by the Conference.

599. Since Members of the Council had expressed divergent opinions as to the action which might be recommended to the Conference, the Council decided that this question should be summitted to the Conference for consideration; it recommended, however, that if the Conference should grant an exception to the aforementioned principle in the case of the FAO/UNICEF Joint Policy Committee, it should be clearly specified that this exception should not be construed as a precedent.

600. In reply to the question from one delegate, it was stated that the costs referred to above were estimated at approximately US$5,000 for the biennium.

601. During the debate in the Conference, in the light of document C 67/42, several delegates expressed the opinion that it would not be desirable to allow for an exception from the Principles which were applicable to all Article VI Bodies, including bodies established jointly with other agencies; in this connection, one delegate suggested that FAO might explore possibilities of obtaining an alignment of UNICEF policy in this matter with the FAO Principles referred to above.

602. However, the majority of delegates who took part in the debate were in favor of granting an exception with a view to ensuring that members appointed by FAO to the FAO/UNICEF Joint Policy Committee should enjoy equal treatment with members appointed by UNICEF, and bearing in mind that the payment by the Organization of attendance cost of one delegate of each FAO-appointed member would result in a better representation at sessions, particularly from developing countries.

603. After having examined the various implications, the Conference decided to make an exception to the Principle referred to above with respect to the travel and subsistence allowances for one delegate of each Member of the FAO/UNICEF Joint Policy Committee appointed by FAO. In taking this decision, the Conference stressed however that this exception should not be construed as a precedent.

Review of FAO commissions, committees, working parties and panels of experts established under articles V, VI and XIV of the constitution

a) Request of the conference at its thirteenth session
b) Review by the technical committees of the conference
c) Criteria for the establishment of FAO commissions, committees, working parties and panels of experts
d) Sessions of FAO bodies - their number and length
e) Financial aspects in 1968/69
f) Documentation
g) Continuation of council's review

a) Request of the conference at its thirteenth session

604. At its Thirteenth Session (November - December 1965), the Conference had requested the Council to undertake over a four-year cycle the review of all FAO commissions, committees and working parties of governments and of experts, as well as panels of experts, to ensure that they are maintained only for the length of time required to accomplish their main purpose and avoid proliferation and duplication of functions.

605. The Conference had commented on the large number of FAO sessions which both delegates and staff had to prepare for and attend. The financial burden of sending delegations to sessions was another factor which governments had to take into consideration. At the same time the Conference noted with satisfaction the steps already taken by the Director-General to ensure that sessions of statutory bodies and ad hoc conferences and consultations were planned so as to render participation by governments and staff as effective as possible.

606. At its Forty-Seventh Session (October 1966) the Council had undertaken the first stage of this review, and requested the Director-General to provide the material necessary to conduct the second stage of the review at its Forty-Ninth Session (October 19673. At its Forty-Eighth Session (June 1967) the Council made some further recommendations concerning the conduct of the review.

607. The Council had also referred to the Technical Committees of the Conference a review of FAO statutory bodies and their functions, on the basis of documents CL 49/6 and CL 49/6-Sup. 1.

608. At its Forty-Ninth Session, accordingly, the Council deferred the detailed review of the achievements of the existing bodies and their proposed activities for 1968/69 in view of the fact that the reports of the Technical Committees thereon were not available at the time of the Council session.

b) Review by the technical committees of the conference

609. The Technical Committee did not have time to go into the matter in depth. For the most part they contented themselves with approving the activities of existing bodies and recommending their continuation.

610. The Conference recommended:

(a) The abolition of the Regional Fisheries Commission for Western Africa in view of the establishment of a FAO Fishery Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic;

(b) The abolition of the Panel of Fishery Experts because there were sufficient alternative facilities for obtaining expert advice in the field of fisheries.

611. At the same time the Conference noted that the Committee on Fisheries had abolished the Working Party on the Rational Utilization of the Fishery Resources of the Indian Ocean, and changed the title of the FAO Panel of Experts on Fish Protein Concentrates for Human Consumption to FAO Panel of Experts on Fish Utilization.

612. The Conference noted that the European Forestry Commission at its Thirteenth Session had abolished its Working Party on Chestnut, and the Near East Forestry Commission at its Fifth Session had dissolved its Working Party on Watershed and Forest Range Management and Working Party on Forestry Education and Research.

c) Criteria for the establishment of FAO commissions, committees, working parties and panels of experts

613. The Conference declared itself concerned with the proliferation of FAO statutory bodies. The Conference accordingly drew attention to the alternative possibilities of convening ad hoc conferences and consultations under Article VI, paragraph 5, of the Constitution, where there was insufficient evidence of the need for a permanent body to deal with technical matters.

614. Where a permanent body seemed desirable, the Conference concurred with the proposal that the establishment of such bodies be given thorough consideration by the establishing organ under the following constitutional provisions:

(a) World-wide commissions or regional commissions of Member Nations - (Article VI-1; Article XIV)

(b) Committees and working parties of selected Member Nations - (Article VI-2)

(c) Committees of experts, working parties of experts, and panels of experts, comprising individuals selected in personal capacity - (Articles VI-2 and VI-4)

615. The function of the bodies described above is normally to permit an exchange of information between government delegates or experts and to tender advice to the Director-General who brings relevant issues to the attention of the Council and Conference. In the case of subsidiary bodies, they transmit their reports through the parent body.

616. In the light of the foregoing considerations, the Conference adopted the following criteria:

Criteria	Comments
(i) That there is an identifiable problem of sufficient importance in the subject matter field.	If the problem is of a general nature, it can usually be handled by another body, such as a regional commission, the Council of the Conference (including technical Committees of the Conference).
(ii) That the problem or problems are of persistent character or of a recurring nature and one that requires continuing consultation between governments or by experts.	If the problem is not persistent or is not likely to recur, the use of ad hoc conferences or consul consultations should be considered.
(iii) That there are insufficient existing machinery and facilities within or outside the Organization in the relevant area of work.	Alternative solutions to the problem should first be considered e.g. by correspondence - by the secretariat - by use of consultants - by other existing bodies or panels of experts - by ad hoc conferences or consultations
(iv) That it is reasonable to believe that useful results can be achieved by consultation between governments or with experts.	The type of action required will determine whether it is to be an intergovernmental or expert body.
(v) That the body proposed is so composed as to provide adequate opportunity to all those interested and those able to make an effective contribution to participate in the work of the body; and that there are reasonable prospects of active participation by the members of the body.	Consideration should be given to the type of body to be established (worldwide, regional, selected governments, or experts appointed in a personal capacity) in the light of this criterion.
(vi) That the matters to be considered require the attention of specialists in the given field.	If specialists in the given field are not available or are not likely to attend sessions, then a more general body could handle the matter (e. g. a regional commission, a regional conference, the Council or the Conference).
(vii) That the results of the work of the body will be of immediate or long-range benefit to a reasonable number of the interested Member Nations of the Organization.

617. The same criteria should be kept in mind when establishing subsidiary bodies under Articles V, VI and XIV of the Constitution.

d) Sessions of FAO bodies - their number and length

618. The Conference noted that the Organization's Conference and Operations Branch and other related units were assuming the function of helping to keep down, within the Organization, the number of meetings planned and their duration. The need for such control had recently been again stressed by the UN ad hoc Committee of Fourteen. The Conference hoped that tighter controls would tend to dampen enthusiasm for new statutory bodies.

619. The Conference agreed with the conclusion of the Council that the term "dependent bodies"as employed by the UN ad hoc Committee could be appropriately construed as comprising, in the case of FAO, commissions, committees or working parties of Member Nations or experts established under Articles VI and XIV of the Constitution, as well as any subsidiary bodies established by them. The term would also comprise the sub committees, study groups, working parties, and other subsidiary bodies of the Committee on Commodity Problems and the Committee on Fisheries set up under Rules XXIX-9 and XXX-10 of the General Rules of the Organization.

620. The Conference noted that the request to convene additional sessions of bodies of Member Nations frequently emanated from the government delegates themselves and that accordingly it lay primarily with the Member Governments of such bodies, when briefing their delegates attending sessions of those bodies, to ensure that requests for unscheduled sessions were not made.

621. The Conference noted, however, that in the implementation of Resolution No. 21/67, a number of occasions might arise where unscheduled sessions would be desirable in the case of commodity study groups of the Committee on Commodity Problems, and in the cases of subsidiary bodies of the Committee on Fisheries and the Advisory Committee of Experts on Marine Resources Research. It therefore recognized that in convening previously unscheduled sessions of these bodies the Director-General might, subject to the availability of funds, need to make exceptions because of circumstances peculiar to these areas of work.

622. In the cases mentioned in paragraphs 620 and 621 above the chairman and the Director-General's representatives attending the sessions would be in a good position to intervene with respect to requests for such additional sessions. The Conference noted that this might well also be done in the case of panels of experts established under Article VI-4 of the Constitution, where a similar proliferation of sessions might occur.

623. As a further means of achieving the purposes of the recommendation, the Conference decided that in future the statutes of any new dependent bodies should include a provision regarding both the frequency and duration of their sessions and that this requirement should also apply to any subsidiary bodies which the dependent bodies might establish . Likewise, the Committee on Commodity Problems and the Committee on Fisheries should include similar provisions in the statutes of any new subsidiary bodies they might establish in future. Statutes of existing bodies should be amended accordingly as opportunity arises.

624. In the light of the foregoing considerations, the Conference adopted the following resolution, and decided that the text of the resolution be incorporated as an addendum into Volume II of the Basic Texts:

Resolution No. 21/67

Sessions of FAO Commissions, Committees and Working Parties and of their Subsidiary Bodies

THE CONFERENCE

Noting the recommendation of the United Nations' ad hoc Committee to Examine the Finances of the United Nations and Specialized Agencies, to the effect that no dependent body should be permitted to increase the number or length of its sessions already authorized without the specific approval of the organ which established it;

Considering that this recommendation, as regards its implementation with respect to FAO, should be construed as applying to commissions, committees and working parties of Member Nations and of experts established under Articles VI and XIV of the FAO Constitution, and their subsidiary bodies, as well as to subsidiary bodies of committees of the Council established under Article V;

Recognizing that a literal implementation of the aforementioned recommendation of the ad hoc Committee would result in serious practical difficulties;

Realizing however that the objectives of such recommendation can be achieved by the exercise of appropriate controls by the Conference and Council;

Aware that the procedures under which FAO operates require advance approval by the Conference of the Program of Work and Budget for the subsequent biennium and that the Program of Work and Budget for 1968/69 includes a complete list of sessions of statutory bodies and subsidiary bodies and of other conferences and consultations which the Director-General proposes for the biennium (C 67/3-Sup. 1-Rev. 1);

Decides that sessions of FAO bodies, other than those sessions listed in the Program of Work for the relevant biennium, should only be convened in exceptional circumstances;

Authorizes the Director-General to make such exceptions when in his view such action is necessary for the fulfillment of the Program of Work as approved by the Conference, subject however to such exceptions being reported to the session of the Council immediately following such action;

Invites Member Governments to draw the attention of their delegates attending sessions of bodies of Member Nations to the need to adhere to the schedule of sessions provided for in the approved Program of Work;

Decides that the terms of this Resolution shall apply equally to the convening of unscheduled sessions of panels of experts established under Article VI-4 of the Constitution;

Decides that in the case of new bodies to be established under Article VI or XIV of the Constitution, or subsidiary bodies established by the latter, a provision should be included in the Convention, Agreement, Statutes or Rules of Procedure, as appropriate, limiting the frequency and duration of sessions of such bodies; and that the statutes of existing bodies should be amended accordingly as opportunity arises;

Further decides that the Committee on Commodity Problems and the Committee on Fisheries should include similar limitations in the statutes of any new subsidiary bodies which they may establish; and that the statutes of existing subsidiary bodies be amended accordingly as opportunity arises;

Requests the Director-General to bring this Resolution to the attention of the chairmen and members of bodies of experts and, if necessary, also of intergovernmental bodies, in the event of any proposals formulated by them to convene unscheduled sessions.

(Adopted 21.11. 67)

e) Financial aspects in 1968/69

625. The Conference noted the explanation given by the Finance Committee to the Council (CL 49/14, paragraphs 6 to 11) and in particular its recommendation, after a full examination, not to propose a reduction in the financial provision for meetings in 1968/69. The Conference agreed that the total provisions proposed in relation to meetings for each Division should be presented in future budget documents as clearly and comprehensively as practicable.

f) Documentation

626. While the Conference considered the early release and wide distribution of technical reports from statutory bodies to be most important, it again drew attention to the views expressed elsewhere in this report, concerning planning documentation for statutory bodies in direct relation to the Organization's capacity for translating, processing and issuing such documentation.

g) Continuation of council's review

627. The Conference requested the Council to continue its systematic review of FAO's statutory bodies, taking account where appropriate of the views of the parent bodies of the abovementioned subsidiary organs. The Conference suggested this might, at least in part, be done at the same time as the Council carried out its periodic reviews of the activities of the several sectors of the Organization. The Council should also ensure that bodies which have accomplished their main purpose should not be maintained in existence, and that new bodies should not be established except after careful examination of such proposals in the light of the criteria adopted by the Conference.

628. The Conference also requested a more logical arrangement of the material appearing in the annual Directory of Statutory Bodies, and the incorporation into it of a review of the achievements and proposed activities of each of the bodies listed, based upon the material submitted in document CL 49/6, brought up to date and suitably expanded where necessary.

Authority and terms of reference of regional conferences

629. The historical evolution and the chain of Council and Conference directions, leading to the present status and terms of reference of Regional Conferences, as detailed in document C 67/43, were noted, and the Conference carefully examined the proposals put forward by the Director-General in respect of the approach that might be adopted for the 1968 series of Regional Conferences.

630. In regard to the former, the Conference stressed the growing importance of Regional Conferences as a forum for local examination of regional problems and requirements; the consequent need for a review of their authority and terms of reference in keeping with their major role in providing guidance to the Director-General for preparation of his overall proposals with respect to the program of work and budget; and the necessity of considering their future relationship with both regional FAO technical commissions and the Regional Economic Commissions of the United Nations, in making an essentially practical contribution to overall economic and social integration and Development.

631. However, on account of time limitation and in view of their close inter-relationship with the overall structure of the Organization, and with the review of the regional framework in particular, the Conference agreed that the authority and terms of reference of Regional Conferences should be given full attention by appropriate bodies existing or to be established by the Conference to study the details and implications of the reorganization of FAO's structure during the coming biennium.

632. The Conference agreed that the ad hoc Committee on Organization should carefully examine the reorganization of Regional Conferences within the framework of measures proposed for reorganization of the regional structure. It was on the basis of such guidance that the Director-General would prepare a revision of the authority and terms of reference of Regional Conferences for submission to the Committee on Constitutional and Legal Matters.

633. The Conference also noted the suggestion that due consideration be given to changing the name of the FAO Conference to the FAO General Assembly, so as to distinguish it from other general or regional conferences of the Organization.

634. The matter of suspension of future sessions of the European Regional Conference was raised. A substantial number of Member Nations consulted expressed themselves in favor of maintaining the European Regional Conference, and for that reason the Director-General was asked to schedule the next European Regional Conference in 1968.

635. Turning to the proposals contained in document C 67/43 Add. 1, the Conference noted with approval that these suggestions for reorientation were made as an interim measure to allow the 1968 series of Regional Conferences, including the European Regional Conference, to continue in helping the Director-General prepare his next Program of Work and Budget, pending re-examination of their authority and terms of reference, the results of which could only be considered by the Conference at its next session

636. The Conference agreed with the broad outlines proposed for the agenda of the next series of Regional Conferences. It noted the effort made to meet many of the criticisms on Regional Conference organization raised at the last series. Greater opportunity would be offered for examination in depth of the FAO activities and organizational arrangements in the region and for its adjustment in the light of the expressed needs of the countries of the region, and also problems common to two or more countries of the region requiring co-ordinated action and technical assistance and aid. Introduction of the IWP as a main theme was also approved as a means of orienting such short-term action within long-term objectives; and discussion of the Regional Studies of the IWP would constitute a useful preparatory stage for debate on this matter.

637. The Conference finally noted that the stage of preparation of agenda items for the 1968 Regional Conferences would permit informal discussion between delegations and the Regional Representatives before the close of the Fourteenth Session of the Conference.

Arrangements for future sessions of the conference

a) Role of the technical committees of the conference
b) Committee on fisheries
c) Organization of conference sessions
d) Procedure for the appointment of the director-general

a) Role of the technical committees of the conference

638. Under the General Rules of FAO the Conference is empowered to establish committees "for the consideration of the technical activities of the Organization"(XV-3). In this connection, the Conference recalled that it had become customary to establish six Technical Committees, to meet just prior to the subsequent session of the Conference, the convening and closing dates as well as their agenda being determined by the Council. In accordance with General Rule XV-3, the terms of reference of Technical Committees so established are as follows:

(a) Review the activities of the biennium coming to an end relating to the regular, technical assistance and other programs;

(b) Consider from a technical standpoint the different chapters of the draft Program of Work for the ensuing biennium;

(d) Study such items as may be specifically referred to it by the Council.

639. The Conference also recalled that the Council had requested the General Rapporteur on the Work of the Technical Committees, in co-operation with the Rapporteurs of the six Technical Committees, to prepare a report on their experience in connection with the Fourteenth Session of the Conference. The Conference further recalled that the question of how the Technical Committees could best contribute to the work of the Conference had been considered on numerous occasions in both the Council and the Conference. Efforts had been made to ensure (i) that discussions in the Technical Committees and Commission II of the Conference did not duplicate each other, (ii) that the Technical Committees considered the work of the Organization from a technical standpoint while Commission II concentrated on the policy aspects and decisions required of the Conference, and (iii) that pressures arising from the specialized interests of various subject-matter groups should not create imbalances in the Program of Work.

640. The Conference also recalled that, following a study of the problem by the Director-General in consultation with Member Governments, and consideration of the matter by the Council, the Conference, in its Thirteenth Session, had decided again to establish six Technical Committees to meet during the period immediately preceding the Conference, at dates fixed by the Council.

641. The Conference noted that substantial efforts had already been made by the Council and by earlier sessions of the Conference to find a satisfactory division of responsibilities between the Technical Committees and Commission II of the Conference; noted also the highly commendable efforts of the General Rapporteur on the Work of the Technical Committees to carry out his assignment within the present framework; agreed that a satisfactory framework had not yet been evolved; and requested the Council to re-study the matter with a view to again trying new approaches in methods of work and/or in the timing of the Technical Committee sessions, and their method of reporting to Commission II, and thus more nearly achieving the objective of a satisfactory division of functions and responsibilities between the Technical Committees on the one hand, and Commission II on the other.

642. The Conference decided again to establish in principle six Technical Committees, to meet if the Council should decide and at such times prior to the Fifteenth Session of the Conference as the Council should decide, as follows:

Technical Committee on Agriculture
Technical Committee on Economics and Social Affairs
Technical Committee on Fisheries
Technical Committee on Forestry
Technical Committee on Nutrition
Technical Committee on Publications, Public Relations and Legal Affairs.

The Conference also decided to delegate to the Council the authority to change the names of the Technical Committees in the event the re-organization of FAO's structure so requires and, notwithstanding General Rule XV, pare. 3, to determine whether they should meet.

643. The Conference requested the Council, in its review of the arrangements for the Fifteenth Session of the Conference, to schedule substantive items for consideration by the Commissions, to the maximum extent practicable, prior to the time Commission II is scheduled to review the related budgetary and financial aspects.

644. The Conference noted that some of the Technical Committees had expressed the view that present arrangements for them to evaluate the activities of the Organization were not wholly satisfactory and could be improved. For instance the information provided in document C 67/25 The Work of FAO in regard to 1966/67 was not entirely adequate for this purpose. It suggested, therefore, that another look be taken by the Council during 1968 at the form of the background documentation, so as to allow a thorough review of the work done in the biennium coming to an end under all programs. The Conference also felt that a review of future trends could only be effectively performed if Member Governments were to be provided, in addition to the customary material, with a paper in regard to each major field of activity of the Organization, far enough ahead of the session of the Conference. This paper should be of a nature to assist governments in evaluating together the 1968/69 work, the 1970/71 program, and future trends, including both the practicability and desirability of shifts in emphasis.

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