Purchase of Own Securities

Smith WH PLC
12 December 2000


Acquisition of Shares

On the 12th December 2000, WH Smith PLC acquired from Hoare Govett's
affiliate, ABN AMRO Equities (UK) Limited, 100,000 WH Smith PLC's shares at
414.0p per ordinary share.

These shares will be cancelled as soon as practicable, whereafter 248,875,626
shares will remain in issue.

Contacts

Paul Anderson            WH Smith PLC
020 7514 9674

Jeremy Thompson          ABN AMRO Equities (UK) Limited
020 7678 1760