House panel adopts rules for 1980 campaign probe

A House subcommittee adopted formal rules for its probe into how Carter White House documents were obtained by Ronald Reagan's 1980 campaign officials. Its objective will be to investigate ''allegations and possible ethical violations in both presidential campaigns in 1980.'' To date, however, the allegations have focused on whether Reagan strategists had a steady stream of information from various sources in the Carter White House, including a debate briefing book.

At the White House, presidential spokesman Larry Speakes said Mr. Reagan has given a ''vote of confidence'' to chief of staff James Baker and other top aides , but will take whatever action is appropriate once the briefing-book controversy is resolved.