What followed was a state apparatus that set numerical goals for the amount of affordable housing in certain areas.

Senate leaders are also talking of new cuts, though they have not announced a numerical goal.

The question is whether the agreements will include numerical goals for increasing access to Japan's market.

"But it takes real targets - numerical goals - if we are going to make a difference."

For each problem, the department announced a numerical goal that it hoped to reach by 2008.

For example, the panel said, some states might set numerical goals for all health spending, public and private.

Japan has still refused to set numerical goals for opening its markets.

The experience suggests that setting numerical goals may not necessarily open doors in Japan.

There the main issue has been whether Japan would accept numerical goals for opening its markets to foreign goods and services.

The committee is not asking Harvard to set quotas or establish a numerical goal.