Health for all by the year 2000?

mittee on Science and Technology, the BMA, the Association of University Teachers, and the Royal College of Nursing, among others, to have significant implications and to raise fundamental questions as to the very nature of independent research. In view of the seriousness of the issue for the future of all research supported by the DoH or DSS every effort was made by the research community to obtain clarification about how the new contract would be interpreted in practice. As reported in the BMJ Mr Jack Barnes, director of research management at the DoH, reaffirmed ministerial statements that neither the DoH nor the DSS intends to interfere with publication on the grounds of factual content.' It would seem that the only reasons for refusal of consent to publish envisaged by officials relate to the publication of material likely to lead to legal action against the crown. The association warmly welcomes these assurances and is hopeful that no problems concerning the freedom to publish arise. It is vital, however, that the situation is carefully monitored by the research community and for this purpose we ask that any examples of attempted censorship-or of comments from officials which might lead to forms of self censorship-be brought to the attention of the secretary of the association.