Following the publication of their joint proposal for a National Centre for the Replacement of Animals in Experiments in 2002, the Dr Hadwen Trust and the Lord Dowding Fund organised a meeting, held on 18 November 2003 at Portcullis House, Westminster, in London, in order to discuss the concept further. A one-page summary of their proposal is attached as an appendix, and full copies are available from the Lord Dowding Fund and the Dr Hadwen Trust. The meeting aimed to discuss the need to stimulate and promote research to replace animal experiments by means of a National Centre (a coordinating body), and how this should be established and funded. Participants, numbering about 80 in total, included politicians (national and European), government officials, scientists, funding bodies and animal welfare representatives. This report is a summary of the issues raised by speakers and other participants at the meeting.