U.S. FEDERAL AGENCIES

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29401, 31 December 1960, Page 11

U.S. FEDERAL AGENCIES

Report Calls For Reforms (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) WASHINGTON, Dec. 28. The President-elect, Mr Kennedy is. expected to make recommendations to Congress early in the New Year aimed at overhauling Federal regulatory agencies, which were criticised in a weekend report for alleged inefficiency and unethical conduct. The report, written by Mr James M. Landis, an outstanding jurist and Harvard University professor, dealt with the Civil Aeronautics Board and talked of “lobbying in its worst sense” in trying to influence White House decisions on international air routes.

The Federal Communications Commission was described by Mr Landis as a “subservient” agency incapable of doing its business while following “Alice in Wonderland procedures.” The regulatory agencies all come under the executive branch, headed by the President, but are subject to Congressional review. Mr Kennedy said in Palm Beach, Florida, that the report was “a most important and impressive analysis of the regulatory agencies which deserves the attention of the members of Congress as well as the agencies themselves.” Mr Kennedy had requested Mr Landis to make the study of the agencies. Mr Landis recommended the creation of a new post of Presi-, dential overseer of the agencies to encourage “imaginative and creative activity” and to coordinate and promote development of national policies. There was no immediate comment from the White House on the criticism implied in the report of both President Eisenhower and President Truman. Mr Landis said both had shown “no real concern” with the operation of the agencies.