Introduction
We have been instructed by the company to review the financial information set out on pages 9 to 16 and we have read the other information contained in the interim report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial information.
Directors' responsibilities
The interim report, including the financial information contained therein, is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The Listing Rules of the London Stock Exchange require that the accounting policies and presentation applied to the interim figures should be consistent with those applied in preparing the preceding annual accounts except where they are to be changed in the next annual accounts in which case any changes, and the reasons for them, are to be disclosed.
Review work performed
We conducted our review in accordance with guidance contained in Bulletin 1999/4: "Review of Interim Financial Information" issued by the Auditing Practices Board. A review consists principally of making enquiries of group management and applying analytical procedures to the financial information and underlying financial data and, based thereon, assessing whether the accounting policies and presentation have been consistently applied unless otherwise disclosed. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit performed in accordance with Auditing Standards and therefore provides a lower level of assurance than an audit. Accordingly we do not express an audit opinion on the financial information.
Review conclusion On the basis of our review we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the financial information as presented for the six months ended 29 February 2000.
KPMG Audit Plc
Chartered Accountants
London
3 May 2000
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