In some countries (eg Australia, Canada and the USA) institutional ethical committees, consisting of people with a range of backgrounds, play a major role in regulation of the use of animals in research. Although some organizations in the UK have, in recent years, established committees or other ethical review processes to oversee ethical and other aspects of animal experimentation, there has been no government requirement for this. After debate and consultation on the matter, it has been announced that the Secretary of State now requires that an ethical review process be established and maintained in each establishment designated under Section 6 or 7 of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA). Before 1 April 1999, all such establishments which do not already have viable ethical review processes are now required to develop these, and to explain and test them with ASPA Inspectorate. From that date, a local ethical review process will be required as a standard condition for all work carried out under the ASPA and for breeding and supply establishments.