Trading Statement

30th January 2003

                                                      HUNTING PLC                                                      
                                                    TRADING UPDATE                                                     

Hunting PLC announces that the company's trading in 2002 finished in line with the Board's expectations.  During the
year, the drilling rig count in the United States, which is important for the company's Hunting Energy business,
remained low despite exceptionally high oil and gas prices.  The North Sea operation, through its market position, made
an excellent contribution. In Canada, Gibson Energy's marketing, transportation and distribution business finished on a
stronger note than earlier in the year.

In January, United States drilling remains flat, but Canadian drilling activity, particularly for gas, is showing a
strong upward movement and is above the corresponding time in 2002.  Higher oil and gas prices and increasing inbound
orders are benefiting the Group's prospects in its principal arenas.

Enquiries:

Dennis Proctor,                     Email:   [e-mail]         
Chief Executive                     Tel:      [phone]                       

Dennis Clark,                       Email:   [e-mail]             
Finance Director                    Tel:      [phone]