The proposed interim dividend of 5.2 pence per share (30 September 2004: 4.8 pence per share) was approved by the Board on 23 November 2005 and is payable on 17 February 2006 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 20 January 2006.
As required by IFRS, the dividend has not been included as a liability as at 30 September 2005 as it has not yet been paid. Following approval, the dividend will be recognised as a liability and will be reflected in the Reconciliation of Movements in Shareholders' Funds, which currently shows the 2005 final dividend of £57 million, representing 10.9 pence per share, that was paid on 19 August 2005.
