[Decision Concerning Propriety of Installation of Government Telephones in NRC Officials' Residences]

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requested a decision regarding the propriety of installing government telephones in the residences of certain high-level NRC officials for use in emergency situations. GAO noted that: (1) NRC determined that the telephone service was essential to establish immediate communication with NRC officials in the event of a nuclear accident; and (2) the telephones would be capable of dialing only NRC internal phone numbers. GAO held that the telephone service: (1) was essential; (2) would be of limited use; and (3) contained safeguards against improper use. Accordingly, installation of the telephones would be proper.