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programmes of member Governments, the need for a World Food Council, and the important role which can be played by intergovernmental commodity agreements for individual commodities. It was generally accepted that such agreements represented the only practical way whereby producers could be assured of stability in their production programmes and consumers could be assured of a reasonable price level over a protracted period. It was, however, recognized that such agreements must embrace policies of expanding food production and provide, where necessary, for surplus stocks to be made available to people in need at prices adjusted to meet their ability to pay. The Conference adopted the attitude that FAO must take a lead in the study of commodities and, if necessary, arrange for conferences at Government level to finalize agreements, despite the fact that the draft Charter of ITO envisages such control under the organization yet to be established. The Conference recognized, however, the necessity for constant review and for collaboration between Governments and between Specialized Agencies as and when they are in a position to collaborate. As an example of action already taken by FAO, the Rice Study Group which met recently in India may be quoted, and it is recommended that a further meeting be convened in an attempt to formulate a suitable commodity agreement. PERIODIC REPORTS The Conference resolved that at each session an annual review of the food situation shall be carried out and that a study shall be made of the policies of member Governments which may be directed toward the achievement of the aims of FAO. It was considered that the periodic reports of members to the Organization should form the basis for such reviews, and Governments were urged to submit such reports in the form to be prescribed by the Council of FAO. TECHNICAL DIVISIONS The Conference expressed great satisfaction with the quantity and quality of the work performed by the Technical Divisions of FAO during the last twelve months. In their various spheres the Divisions supplied the Conference with detailed working documents on all phases of production, distribution, and consumption. It is apparent from the projects in hand or contemplated that the staffs of the Divisions will need to be strengthened as rapidly as the budgetary position will permit. The limitations of finance, however, have already affected the Divisions' activities, but every endeavour is being made to solicit the aid of the technical staffs of State Departments and of organizations wherever it is found practicable to utilize such assistance in the work of the Divisions.