Directorate Change

Merrill Lynch British Smaller Companies Trust plc - New Director

On 23 April 2008 the Board of Merrill Lynch British Smaller Companies Trust plc
appointed Robert Robertson as a non-executive director of the Company.

Mr Robertson is a non-executive director of Avocet Mining PLC and West China
Cement Limited.

Mr Robertson does not have any interest in the Company's shares at the date of
this appointment.

There are no details in respect of Mr Robertson that require disclosure under
paragraph 9.6.13 R (2) to (6) of the Listing Rules.

Contact Details:

Ms C Driscoll

BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited

Tel: [phone]

Date: 23 April 2008