This report examines the work of research ethics committees (RECs) in the United Kingdom. RECs examine proposals for research on human subjects largely within the NHS which throws up a variety of ethical problems. The role of RECs is essentially that of a public watchdog: to try to protect subjects from harm, to ensure that they are adequately informed, to see that valid consent is given, and that no undue pressure to participate is exerted upon subjects, and to reassure public that this is so. A large number of proposals are included in the report, but over and above such recommendations is the clear recognition that there should be legislation on the subject of RECs.