Directorate

BRITISH & AMERICAN INVESTMENT TRUST PLC
6 October 1999


Appointment of J. Anthony V. Townsend as Non-executive director
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The Board of British & American Investment Trust PLC is pleased to announce
the appointment of  J. Anthony V. Townsend as a Non-executive Director.

Anthony Townsend is 51 and was an executive director of Rea Brothers Group PLC
and Finsbury Asset Management Ltd for many years.  He currently holds
non-executive directorships of seven other investment trusts, including five
managed by Finsbury Asset Management.  He is also a member of the Executive
Committee of The Association of  Investment Trusts and a member of the
Executive Committee of Lloyd's Regulatory Board.

Additionally, he is Non-executive Chairman of Adam & Harvey Group PLC and a
non-executive director of  BRIT Insurance Holdings PLC.

The Board is delighted to welcome Anthony Townsend to the company.  His wide
experience of investment trusts and long service in leading financial and
insurance businesses will be a great asset to the company.