Director Shareholding

Smith (DS) PLC
22 April 2005


                                                           For immediate release


                         DS Smith Plc: Director's shareholding


A discretionary settlement in which Mr AP Hichens is beneficially interested and
the personal pension fund of Mr AP Hichens acquired yesterday 187,200 ordinary
shares (0.048%) in DS Smith Plc from the holding of Mr AP Hichens (held in the
registered name of Smith & Williamson Nominees Limited). The discretionary
settlement has acquired 32,200 of these shares and the personal pension plan the
balance of 155,000 shares. These shares have been acquired at a price of 153.25
pence each.

Mr AP Hichens's beneficial interest in the ordinary shares of DS Smith Plc is
unchanged at 462,000 ordinary shares (0.12%).


Carolyn Cattermole
Company Secretary
22 April 2005

                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange