Purchase of Own Securities

BRITISH EMPIRE SECURITIES AND GENERAL TRUST PLC
15 September 1999



PURCHASE OF OWN SHARES

On 14 September 1999 British Empire Securities and General Trust p.l.c. bought
500,000 of its own ordinary shares for cancellation at a price of 139.50p
each.  There are 187,555,089 ordinary shares in issue following this purchase.

Enquiries:       John Walton
Tel:             0171 853 6900