Director Shareholding

Sainsbury(J) PLC
23 May 2003

J Sainsbury plc Directors' Interests

The following Directors have been awarded a conditional allocation of shares on
22 May 2003 under the Company's Performance Share Plan:

J E Adshead              108,187
R J Matthews             130,116
S R Mitchell             131,578
S Weller                 116,959

The maximum award set out above will only be released if the Company's total
shareholder return, measured against the comparator group, is at first position
in the group at the end of the three year performance period. There is no award
unless median performance is achieved. Awards are pro rated for performance
between median and first position.

The following Directors have received a grant of options on 22 May 2003 under
the Company's Executive Share Option Plan.

J E Adshead              288,499
R J Matthews             346,978
S R Mitchell             350,877
S Weller                 311,890

Date of Grant: 22 May 2003
Period during which the option is exercisable: 22 May 2006 - 21 May 2013
Exercise price:  256.5 pence.


Contact: Lynda Ashton            Investor Relations Manager 020 7695 7162
                                 Media Relations            020 7695 7295


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