such parapsychological insights and practices, one has to take into consideration that the German cutlery industry could experience a considerable collapse of its output. Such a decision would also have an employment-political and structural-political effect that will have to be considered. (Applause from the governing parties) Besides, Mr. Representative, the question of liability in regards to the afflicted is still completely unresolved. It could also be questioned whether this region of research could actually improve the quality of life. For as long as the related questions have not been finally and conclusively cleared up, the Federal Ministry for Research and Technology assumes that the need of society for a considerable boost for this type of parapsychological research cannot be presumed. Vice-President von Hassel: A second additional question from the Representative Dr. Meinecke. Dr. Meinecke (Hamburg) SPD): Mr. State Secretary, even though I might share your opinion and that of the Federal Parliament, I would still like to ask you: Why is it that the main focus of parapsychological research has been intensively promoted in the United States and the Soviet Union over the last years and do you not believe that the Federal Government might be in danger of losing international contact, particularly in light of the revealed paranormal phenomena and in regards to certain problems of manned space travel? Dr. Hauff, Parliamentary State Secretary for the Federal Minister for Research and Technology and Postal and Telecommunication. Colleague Meinecke, as far as the Federal Government is concerned, we are dealing – at least in America – mostly with private initiatives and private foundations. Particularly in regards to today’s negotiations within the German Bundestag, it is not inappropriate to indicate that the German Parliament expressively welcomes any private promotion of research activities. Vice-President von Hassel: A third additional question from Representative Dr. Meinecke. Dr. Meinecke (Hamburg) SPD) Can I possibly establish an accordance with the Federal Government’s opinion – in light of today’s proceedings - that the utilisation of psychokinetic impulses and energies are not suitable in regards to solving the energy crisis? Dr. Hauff, Parliamentary State Secretary for the Federal Minister for Research and Technology and Postal and Telecommunication. You assessment of the situation is in complete agreement with the opinion of the Federal Ministry for Research and Technology.” This debate shows that the representatives saw more of a humorous side to this affair. Actually, nothing happened over the next 30 years in regards to supporting parapsychological research in Germany. If a politician or an eminent researcher should seriously dare to ask for publicly promoted research in the field of parapsychology, he would be publicly slain by journalists. The choice of words used were seen as appropriate and not offensive in 1981 by our former Federal President and at that time Minister for the Interior of Baden-Württemberg Roman Herzog, who was also a lawyer. This is why no eminent researcher will expose himself to the danger of committing social and scientific suicide. Vice-President von Hassel: One last additional question from representative Dr. Meinecke. Dr. Meinecke (Hamburg) SPD) Mr. State Secretary, does the federal government at least hold the opinion that not only clarification and verification in regards to these phenomena belong within this research, but also the psycho-hygienic aspect, that is to say, the clarification about damaging effects of such phenomena, like the belief in miracles, miracle healings, contacts with the hereafter or the curious receptivity of our population in regards to such phenomena?
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