Market Announcement

London Stock Exchange
5 April 2000


LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE ANNOUNCEMENT

Market Opening - 5 April 2000

The failure of the market to open this morning is attributed to a fault on LMIL
(London Market Information Link).  Investigations into the cause of the problem
continue.

The decision has been taken to delay the opening of the market until the problem
has been resolved in such a way that market certainty can be ensured.

An announcement on timing of the market opening will be made as soon as it is
possible to provide a reliable timetable.   The Exchange will also consider an
extension to market hours in order to facilitate the completion of business.