The company does not believe that there are any pending legal proceedings which would have a material adverse effect on the financial position or operations of the group.
     Proceedings have been initiated in Italy against 21 defendants, including a former BT employee, in connection with the Italian UMTS auction. Blu, in which BT held a minority interest, participated in that auction process. The hearings are continuing in Rome. If the proceedings are successful, BT could be held liable, with others, for any damages. The company has concluded that it would not be appropriate to make a provision in respect of any such potential claim.