Investment Mandate

HENDERSON SMALLER COMPANIES INVESTMENT TRUST PLC
29 October 1999


           THE HENDERSON SMALLER COMPANIES INVESTMENT TRUST PLC
                            
                           Investment Mandate
                            
The board of The Henderson Smaller Companies Investment Trust plc announces
that, following a review of the Company's investment mandate, it intends
progressively to increase the weighting in UK listed smaller companies closer to
100%. The board believes that by giving greater focus the Company will have a
wider appeal to investors.

Since 31 May 1997 the UK weighting has increased from 58.7% to over 80%. The
Company is applying to the Association of Investment Trust Companies for
inclusion in its Smaller Companies: UK sector.

The investment style will continue to concentrate on UK smaller companies that
have the potential to become big companies. Hence the emphasis is on a focused
portfolio of secular growth stocks. The Company will continue to 'run the
winners'.


For further information please contact:

John Alexander/Stephen Westwood
Henderson Investors
Telephone: [phone] 477 5517

or

Vicki Staveacre/Martin Wade
Henderson Press Office
Telephone: [phone]