Document on authority to purchase own shares

A letter on the above has been sent to shareholders and a copy has been
submitted to the UK Listing Authority, and will shortly be available for
inspection at the UK Listing Authority's Viewing Facility, which is
situated at:

Financial Services Authority
25 The North Colonnade
Canary Wharf
London
E14 5HS

Tel. no. 020 7676 1000