Notes to the accounts


	ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	For the year ended 31 December 2003 The following accounting policies have been applied consistently in dealing with items which are considered material in relation to the Group's financial statements.

	Notes
	1.	Group segmental analysis
	2.	Net operating costs
	3.	Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before taxation
	4.	Interest receivable and similar income
	5	Interest payable and similar charges
	6	Directors' and employees' remuneration
	7	Pension scheme funding
	8	Exceptional items
	9	Tax on profit on ordinary activities
	10	Profit of the parent company
	11	Earnings per share
	12	Intangible fixed assets
	13	Tangible fixed assets
	14	Fixed assets investments
	15	Stocks
	16	Debtors
	17	Current asset investments
	18	Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
	19	Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
	20	Provisions for liabilities and charges
	21	Deferred taxation
	22	Share capital
	23	Reserves
	24	Notes to the cash flow statement
	25	Acquisitions
	26	Net debt
	27	Financial instruments
	28	Commitments
	29	Contingent liabilities
	30	Related party transactions
	31	Post balance sheet events
	32	Details of principal subsidiary undertakings, associates and joint ventures

ACCOUNTING POLICIES