The influence and importance of the International Bureau have never been greater than they are today and there seems little doubt that its position will be enhanced in the future. The rapid development of science and technological industry during recent decades has placed heavy demands on fundamental metrology to keep ahead of immediate needs. This trend is likely to increase. Other organizations also have an important role to play in measurement and its ultimate application. However, if the International Bureau conserves its competence, the fact that it has always envisaged its role as that of providing leadership in the development of an international scientific consensus rather than developing and imposing its own ideas, combined with the authority that is conferred only by international treaty, will assure its position as the international focus for world measurement. Inevitably this will call for expansion of the Bureau's activities. Not all demands made on it will be legitimate or wise. It will be the responsibility of the International Committee to keep the situation under continuous study and bring imaginative yet prudent recommendations to the Conference.