Notes on the IFRS basis results

A. Basis of preparation and audit status

These condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the six months ended 30 June 2008 have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 ‘Interim Financial Reporting’. The Group's policy for preparing this interim financial information is to use the accounting policies adopted by the Group in its last consolidated financial statements, as updated by any changes in accounting policies it intends to make in its next consolidated financial statements as a result of new or changed IFRS that are already endorsed by the EU or that are applicable or available for early adoption for the next annual financial statements and other policy improvements.

The IFRS basis results for the 2008 and 2007 half years are unaudited. Except for the change of accounting policy explained in note B and note O, the 2007 full year IFRS basis results have been derived from the 2007 statutory accounts. The auditors have reported on the 2007 statutory accounts which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditors’ report was (i) unqualified, (ii) did not include reference to any matters to which the auditors drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report and (iii) did not contain a statement under section 237 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985.