Purchase of Own Securities

BRITISH EMPIRE SECURITIES AND GENERAL TRUST PLC
10 September 1999


PURCHASE OF OWN SHARES

On 10 September 1999 British Empire Securities and General Trust p.l.c. bought
250,000 of its own ordinary shares for cancellation at a price of 139p each. 
There are 188,055,089 ordinary shares in issue following this purchase.


Enquiries:       John Walton
Tel:  [phone]