• The Work of The Committee
• Current members and Register of Interests

• Current Work Programme
• Sub-committees and Working groups

The Composition of the Committee

The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 says that there must be at least 12 people on the Committee (excluding the Chairman) and that:

• at least two-thirds of the members must have full registration as medical practitioners or veterinary surgeons, or be qualified in a biological subject relevant to the work of the Committee;

• one member must be a barrister, solicitor or advocate;

• at least half of the members must not have held a licence under the Act during the last six years; and

• the interests of animal welfare should be adequately represented (this has tended to mean, in practice, the appointment of members associated with animal welfare organisations, but all members pay high regard to animal welfare)

There is normally an academic philosopher on the Committee, although this is not a statutory requirement.

Members are appointed for terms of up to 4 years and can be re-appointed once. The 1986 Act specifies that payments may be made to the Chairman by way of remuneration, and that other members can receive reimbursement for any expenses incurred by them in the performance of their duties. Apart from the Chairman, members are not paid for their work on the Committee, though they can claim reasonable out of pocket expenses.

• The Work of The Committee
• Current members and Register of Interests

• Current Work Programme
• Sub-committees and Working groups