The Commission has, since its inception, been devoted to the continually increasing needs of astronomy and astrophysics for reliable atomic and molecular data a) for diagnostic interpretation of astronomical observations, and b) for support of theoretical modelling of astrophysical situations. At the 1985 Delhi General Assembly, the Commission reviewed the scope of its subject matter, and considered whether it should be extended to include higher energy physical processes than are commonly treated by atomic and molecular data. It was concluded that there was no strong demand for this change, which, if implemented, would make the work of the Commission too diffuse. The appropriateness of the past working group structure was also carefully reviewed in the light of contemporary needs. The following working groups, which have evolved from those of past years, together with their chairmen was approved:
1:Atomic Spectra and Wavelength Standards (excluding primary standards): W.C. Martin2:Atomic Transition Probabilities: W.L Wiese3:Collision Processes: A. Dalgarno4:Line Broadening: N. Feautrier5:Molecular Structure and Transition Data: W.H. Parkinson