Response to DTI Statement

British American Tobacco PLC
30 October 2000

Embargoed until 1100 hours

30 October 2000



                   Statement from British American Tobacco


We are naturally disappointed that Stephen Byers, the Secretary of State for
Trade and Industry, has announced the commencement of a confidential
investigation under S.447 of the Companies Act 1985. We will, of course,
co-operate fully with the investigators but will be making no further comments
during the course of their work.