Two documents were released to the press on January 18, 1973, by Secretary Richardson, one summarizing his term of office as Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, and one reporting on HEW potential for the seventies (SO 005 666, SO 005 699). In an introductory statement prior to the press conference, the question of whether or not we as a society can manage our human resource development is raised. The crisis of performance within our institutions, of resources, of equity, and of control, has become a crisis of confidence. A new approach to HEW and to social problem solving is seen as necessary. Progress made in educational legislation, in social security benefit increase, and in other social reform legislation indicates that the department has benefited from changes in planning and management. Questions raised by the press dealt with revenue sharing, states' responsibility, comparisons between this and other countries' social welfare programs, desegregation, educational funding, mental health, medical research funding, and HEW administrative policies. In his answers, Mr. Richardson placed emphasis on progress made in legislation, further program achievements needed, and in the need for evaluation of programs at all levels to ensure efficiency in planning, in placing priorities and in continuation of efforts. (JMB)