Holding in Company

Oxford Instruments PLC
21 August 2000

TO COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENTS OFFICE

The Company has received notification today in accordance with Companies Act
1985, (as amended) that Phillips & Drew Life Limited has a notifiable
interest in 2,862,869 Ordinary Shares of 5p each which, represents 5.98% of
the issued share capital of Oxford Instruments plc. However, please note that
the notice from Phillips & Drew was dated 11th August, but due to a postal
strike in the Oxfordshire area over the last 10 days we have only received it
this morning. 
 
The shares to which this notification relates are registered as follows: 
 

                                                                   
            Registered Holder                     Number of Shares 
            Phildrew Nominees Limited a/c LF09    150,050          
            Phildrew Nominees Limited a/c LF20    2,712,819        
                                          TOTAL   2,862,869        
 
Phillips & Drew Life Limited is a subsidiary of UBS Asset Management Holding
(No.2) Limited which is also treated as having an interest in the above
shares. Phillips & Drew are authorised to make this aggregate disclosure on
behalf of UBS Asset Management Holding (No.2) Limited the registered address
of which is: 
 
Triton Court 
14 Finsbury Square 
London EC2A 1PD 
 
Della Gorham (Mrs) 
Assistant Company Secretary