Before I proceed further it is with great sadness that I have to inform you that two of our very active members have passed away recently, firstly Mr. Howard Blanding and secondly Mr.Erling Hagedal.
Mr.Blanding served this committee for many years and was the leader of the US delegation for many years. His council, experience and patience with his younger and other members was well known to all of US. Mr.Hagedal of the Norwegian delegation and a member of Working Group 16 was a very active member, his experience and opinions were valued by all he associated with. Although Mr.Hagedal had not served on the committee for a very long time his contribution was considerable. Both gentlemen will be greatly missed and the committee has lost a valuable asset.
I believe that it would be a fitting tribute to both if we now observe one minute silence in their honour.
One minute silence.
Since I took on the chairmanship of TC 18 there have been many changes in the operation of the committee, a new Secretariat, a new Secretary, a change in the number of Working Groups and more than anything else, changes in the IEC operational procedures to which we must work. This year is no exception, we have one of the biggest changes ever imposed on us, the new Maintenance scheme which will be explained shortly by Mr.Coupy of IEC Central Office.
Irrespective of the changes I believe that this committee should be congratulated for its progress over the last few years, I hope that it will continue and that the new schemes do not slow that progress.
I now declare the meeting open and I hope with your assistance we will get through our Agenda without delay.
Thank you.
Apologies for absence were received from：
Mr.G.J.Vromans
Mr.C.G.Meijer
Mr.P.Scherbinin
Mr.K.Ershikov
Mr.M.Uecker-Weigel
Mr.S.N.Yanov
Mr.V.F.Bedeker
