Holding in Company

Oxford Instruments PLC
24 April 2001


The Company has been notified today for the purposes of Part VI of the
Companies Act 1985 that Aberforth Partners has a notifiable interest in
4,880,000 Ordinary Shares of 5p each which, represents 10.20% of the issued
share capital of Oxford Instruments plc. This interest arises as a result of
the discretionary investment management powers that Aberforth Partners can
exercise over the funds of their clients. Aberforth Partners is not the
beneficial owner of these shares. 
 
The shares to which this notification relates are registered as follows: 
 

                                                                              
     Registered Holder                                       Number of Shares 

     Clydesdale Bank (Head Office) Nominees Limited A/c         2,069,700     
                          ABERFIT1                                            
     Clydesdale Bank (Head Office) Nominees Limited A/c         1,111,600     
                          ABERFIT2                                            
     Clydesdale Bank (Head Office) Nominees Limited A/c         1,098,700     
                          ABERFUT1                                            
     Clydesdale Bank (Head Office) Nominees Limited A/c          300,000      
                          ABERLP1A                                            
     Clydesdale Bank (Head Office) Nominees Limited A/c          300,000      
                          ABERLP1B                                            
 
 
 
 
Della Gorham (Mrs) 
Assistant Company Secretary