The United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation was established by the General Assembly at its tenth session on 3 December 1955. under resolution 913 (X), as a result of debates held in the First Committee from 31 October to 10 November 1955. The terms of reference of the Committee were set out in paragraph 2 of the above-mentioned resolution by \Vhich the General Assembly requested the Committee : " (a) To receive and assemble in an appropriate and useful form the following radiological information furnished by _Stat~s Members of the United Nations or members of the specialized agencies: ''(i) Reports on _g!Jserved levels of ionizing radiation and _radiQ~activity in the environment; "(ii) Reports on scientific observation! and experiments relevant to the effects of ionizing radiation upon man and his environment already under \vay or later undertaken by _nationgl scientific bodies or by authorities of national Govei:ninents; ( b) To recommend uniform standards with respect to procedures for sample collection and instrumentation, and radiation counting procedures tone used in -analyses of sanJples: , ( c) To compile and assemble in an integrated manner the various reports, referred to in sub-paragraph (a) ( i) above. on observed radiological levels; " ( d) To review and collate national reports. referred to in sub-paragraph (a) (ii) above, evaluating each report to determine its usefulness for the purposes of the Committee; " ( e) To make yearly progress reports and to develop by 1 July 1958, or earlier if the assembled facts warrant, a summary of the reports received on radiation levels and radiation effects on man and his environment together with the evaluations provided for in sub-paragraph ( d) above and indications of research projects which might require further study; "(f) To transmit from time to time, as it deems appropriate, the documents and evaluations referred to above to the Secretary-General for publication and dissemination to States 1-Iembers of the United Nations or members of the specialized agencies."