Even Dr Cantilena, the panel chairman, said he had trouble with them.

The disclosure came at a hearing of a House subcommittee, and the panel chairman called the increase "an alarming statistic."

Dr. Green, the panel chairman, said the members agreed at the outset that the goals of the research were ethical.

The panel chairman called the 7-to-2 vote to approve an application by the company, the Mentor Corporation, unexpected.

At the same time, the panel chairman warned that President Bush and lawmakers would be held responsible if they failed to overhaul intelligence operations.

"Yes, it could," the panel chairman finally agreed.

Among those attending was a board member, Alexander Castillo, a former panel chairman.

If a hearing is necessary, the panel chairman may hold a preliminary meeting to set out procedures and identify disputed issues.

International trade officials from regions as diverse as Turkey and India are panel chairmen.

The appointment and role of the panel chairman emerged as a key issue.