RNS Xmas/New Years Hours

London Stock Exchange
24 December 1999


REGULATORY NEWS SERVICE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR SERVICE HOURS 1999/2000

The Regulatory News Service (RNS) will be closed on:

     Monday, 27 December 1999
     Tuesday, 28 December 1999
     Friday, 31 December 1999
     Monday, 3 January 2000

On Friday, 24 December and Thursday 30 December 1999, RNS will close at 13.30
hours. Announcements must be lodged with the Company Announcements Office by
12.30 hours.

If you have any queries regarding these arrangements, please contact the Company
Announcements Office on 0171-797-3843 or STX 33843