LOWER HOUSE DISCUSSES SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

( Editorial: --> 5036 ) ZAGREB, Feb 27 (Hina) - The Croatian Parliament House of Representatives on Friday concluded its discussion on a Report on the Implementation of the National Scientific Research Programme and Situation in Scientific Research Activities in Croatia. The Programme had been consistently implemented, said Science and Technology Minister Ivica Kostovic. He added that the main purpose of the Programme was to create a system of science and technology which would be one of the key factors in Croatia's social and economic development. Replying to the objection that the main problem is young people leaving the field of science, Kostovic said that since 1 January 1990 until 31 December 1997, 407 persons left science, majority of them (173 researchers) being at the age between 40 and 50. That number is not alarming, Kostovic said, adding that in the past seven years 20 persons between the age of 30 to 34 had left science, while none of those at the age of 29 went to seek job elsewhere. In a lengthy discussion, opposition representatives voiced concern over the status and prospects of science, adding that young and gifted people were reluctant to start a scientific career because of low salaries and lack of money for scientific projects. Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) representatives stressed the connection between state interests and economy on one side and interests of science and scientific institutions on the other, proposing that the model of financing science be adjusted to that connection. According to the agenda, the lower house was also to discuss a bill on rights and duties of officials, but the chairman of the session said there was little time left and a bill of such importance had to be discussed in a full session of the lower house. (hina) jn rm 271516 MET feb 98