Please note that the Company was informed on 15 November 2004 that in accordance with Part VI Companies Act 1985 ("the Act"), as at close of business on 11 November 2004, HSBC Bank plc no longer had a notifiable interest in the ordinary shares of the Company.

HSBC holdings plc as HSBC Bank plc's parent company are also no longer interested, by virtue of S.203 of the Act, in the above mentioned shares.



M Buxton-Smith Assistant Company Secretary

Date of notification ..15 November 2004.....