Taxation for US holders

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The following discussion summarises certain US federal and UK tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of ordinary shares, non-cumulative dollar preference shares, ADSs representing ordinary shares (“ordinary ADSs”), ADSs representing non-cumulative dollar preference shares (“preference ADSs”) or PROs by a beneficial owner that is a citizen or resident of the United States or that otherwise will be subject to US federal income tax on a net income basis in respect of the ordinary shares, non-cumulative dollar preference shares, ordinary ADSs, preference ADSs or PROs (a “US Holder”). This summary assumes that a US Holder is holding ordinary shares, non-cumulative dollar preference shares, ordinary ADSs, preference ADSs or PROs, as applicable, as capital assets. This summary does not address the tax consequences to a US Holder (i) that is resident (or, in the case of an individual, ordinarily resident) in the UK for UK tax purposes or (ii) generally, that is a corporation which alone or together with one or more associated companies, controls, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the voting stock of the company.

The statements and practices set forth below regarding US and UK tax laws, including the US/UK double taxation convention relating to income and capital gains which entered into force on 31 March 2003 (the “Treaty”), and the US/UK double taxation convention relating to estate and gift taxes (the “Estate Tax Treaty”), are based on those laws and practices as in force and as applied in practice on the date of this Report. This summary is not exhaustive of all possible tax considerations and holders are advised to satisfy themselves as to the overall tax consequences, including specifically the consequences under US federal, state, local and other laws, and possible changes in taxation law, of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of ordinary shares, non-cumulative dollar preference shares, ordinary ADSs, preference ADSs or PROs by consulting their own tax advisers.

The following discussion assumes that the Company is not, and will not become, a passive foreign investment company ('PFIC') – see 'Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations'.

Ordinary shares, preference shares, ordinary ADSs and preference ADSs

Taxation of dividends

For the purposes of the Treaty, the Estate Tax Treaty and the US Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), US Holders of ordinary ADSs and preference ADSs should be treated as owners of the ordinary shares and the non-cumulative dollar preference shares underlying such ADSs.

The US Treasury has expressed concerns that parties to whom ADSs are pre-released or intermediaries in the chain of ownership between US Holders and the issuer of the security underlying the ADSs may be taking actions that are inconsistent with the claiming of foreign tax credits for US Holders of ADSs. Such actions would also be inconsistent with the claiming of the reduced rate of tax applicable to dividends received by certain non-corporate US Holders. Accordingly, availability of the reduced tax rate for dividends received by certain non-corporate US Holders of ordinary ADSs could be affected by actions taken by such parties or intermediaries.

The company is not required to withhold UK tax at source from dividend payments it makes or from any amount (including any amounts in respect of accrued dividends) distributed by the company. US Holders who are not resident or ordinarily resident in the UK and who do not carry on a trade, profession or vocation in the UK through a branch, agency or permanent establishment in connection with which their ordinary shares, non-cumulative preference shares, ordinary ADSs or preference ADSs are held used or acquired will not be subject to UK tax in respect of any dividends received on the relevant shares or ADSs.

Distributions by the company will constitute foreign source dividend income for US federal income tax purposes to the extent paid out of the current or accumulated earnings and profits of the company, as determined for US federal income tax purposes. Because the company does not maintain calculations of its earnings and profits under US federal income tax principles, it is expected that distributions will be reported to US Holders as dividends. Payments will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction allowed to corporate US Holders.

Subject to applicable limitations that may vary depending upon a holder's individual circumstances, dividends paid to certain non-corporate US Holders in taxable years beginning before 1 January 2011 will be taxable at a maximum tax rate of 15%. Non-corporate US Holders should consult their own tax advisers to determine whether they are subject to any special rules that limit their ability to be taxed at this favourable rate.

Dividends will be included in a US Holder's income on the date of the US Holder's (or in the case of ADSs, the Depositary's) receipt of the dividend. The amount of any dividend income paid in pounds sterling or euros will be a US dollar amount calculated by reference to the relevant exchange rate in effect on the date of such receipt regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into US dollars. If the dividend is converted into US dollars on the date of receipt, the US Holder generally should not be required to recognise foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the dividend income. If the amount of such dividend is not converted into US dollars on the date of receipt, the US Holder may have foreign currency gain or loss.

Taxation of capital gains

A US Holder that is not resident (or, in the case of an individual, ordinarily resident) in the UK will not normally be liable for UK tax on capital gains realised on the disposition of an ordinary share, a non-cumulative dollar preference share, an ordinary ADS or a preference ADS unless at the time of the disposal, in the case of a corporate US Holder, such US Holder carries on a trade in the UK through a permanent establishment or, in the case of any other US Holder, such US Holder carries on a trade, profession or vocation in the UK through a UK branch or agency and such ordinary share, non-cumulative dollar preference share, ordinary ADS or preference ADS is or has been used, held or acquired by or for the purposes of such trade (or profession or vocation), permanent establishment, branch or agency. Special rules apply to individuals who are temporarily not resident or ordinarily resident in the UK.

A US Holder will, upon the sale or other disposition of an ordinary share, a non-cumulative dollar preference share, an ordinary ADS or a preference ADS, or upon the redemption of a non-cumulative dollar preference share or preference ADS, generally recognise capital gain or loss for US federal income tax purposes (assuming that in the case of a redemption of a non-cumulative dollar preference share or a preference ADS, such US Holder does not own, and is not deemed to own, any ordinary shares or ordinary ADSs of the company) in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realised (excluding in the case of a redemption any amount treated as a dividend for US federal income tax purposes, which will be taxed accordingly) and the US Holder's tax basis in such share or ADS. This capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the US Holder held the share or ADS so sold, disposed or redeemed for more than one year.

A US Holder who is liable for both UK and US tax on a gain recognised on the disposal of an ordinary share, a non-cumulative dollar preference share, an ordinary ADS or a preference ADS will generally be entitled, subject to certain limitations, to credit the UK tax against its US federal income tax liability in respect of such gain.

If a corporate US Holder is subject to UK corporation tax by reason of carrying on a trade in the UK through a permanent establishment and its ordinary share, non-cumulative dollar preference share or ADS is, or has been, used, held or acquired for the purposes of that permanent establishment, certain provisions introduced by the Finance (No. 2) Act 2005 will apply if the US Holder holds its ordinary share, non-cumulative dollar preference share or ADS for a “tax avoidance purpose”. If these provisions apply, dividends on the ordinary share, non-cumulative dollar preference share, ordinary ADS or preference ADS, as well as certain fair value credits and debits arising in respect of such share or ADS, will be brought within the charge to UK corporation tax on income and the UK tax position outlined in the preceding paragraphs will not apply in relation to such US Holder.

Estate and gift tax

Subject to the discussion of the Estate Tax Treaty in the next paragraph, ordinary shares, non-cumulative dollar preference shares, ordinary ADSs or preference ADSs beneficially owned by an individual may be subject to UK inheritance tax (subject to exemptions and reliefs) on the death of the individual or in certain circumstances, if such shares or ADSs are the subject of a gift (including a transfer at less than market value) by such individual. (Inheritance tax is not generally chargeable on gifts to individuals made more than seven years before the death of the donor). Ordinary shares, non-cumulative dollar preference shares, ordinary ADSs or preference ADSs held by the trustees of a settlement will also be subject to UK inheritance tax. Special rules apply to such settlements.

An ordinary share, a non-cumulative dollar preference share, an ordinary ADS or a preference ADS beneficially owned by an individual, whose domicile is determined to be the United States for purposes of the Estate Tax Treaty and who is not a national of the UK, will not be subject to UK inheritance tax on the individual's death or on a lifetime transfer of such share or ADS, except in certain cases where the share or ADS (i) is comprised in a settlement (unless, at the time of the settlement, the settlor was domiciled in the United States and was not a national of the UK); (ii) is part of the business property of a UK permanent establishment of an enterprise; or (iii) pertains to a UK fixed base of an individual used for the performance of independent personal services. The Estate Tax Treaty generally provides a credit against US federal estate or gift tax liability for the amount of any tax paid in the UK in a case where the ordinary share, non-cumulative dollar preference share, ordinary ADS or preference ADS is subject to both UK inheritance tax and US federal estate or gift tax.

UK stamp duty and stamp duty reserve tax (“SDRT”)

The following is a summary of the UK stamp duty and SDRT consequences of transferring an ADS or ADR in registered form (otherwise than to the custodian on cancellation of the ADS) or of transferring an ordinary share or a non-cumulative dollar preference share. A transfer of a registered ADS or ADR executed and retained in the United States will not give rise to stamp duty and an agreement to transfer a registered ADS or ADR will not give rise to SDRT. Stamp duty or SDRT will normally be payable on or in respect of transfers of ordinary shares or non-cumulative dollar preference shares and accordingly any holder who acquires or intends to acquire ordinary shares or non-cumulative dollar preference shares is advised to consult its own tax advisers in relation to stamp duty and SDRT.

PROs
United States

Payments of interest on a PRO (including any UK withholding tax, as to which see below) will constitute foreign source dividend income for US federal income tax purposes to the extent paid out of the current or accumulated earnings and profits of the company, as determined for US federal income tax purposes. Payments will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction allowed to corporate US Holders. A US Holder who is entitled under the Treaty to a refund of UK tax, if any, withheld on a payment will not be entitled to claim a foreign tax credit with respect to such tax.

In addition, bills have been introduced in both the US House and the US Senate which would, if enacted, deny the favourable tax rates described in the preceding paragraph for dividends paid in respect of certain securities, including securities such as PROs, where the issuer of the securities is allowed a deduction under the tax laws of a foreign country with respect to such dividend. The proposed legislation would apply to dividends received after the date of its enactment. It is not possible to predict whether the proposed legislation will be enacted, either in its present form or any other form. Non-corporate US Holders should consult their tax advisers with respect to the potential enactment of currently proposed legislation and its application in their particular circumstances.

A US Holder will, upon the sale, exchange or redemption of a PRO, generally recognise capital gain or loss for US federal income tax purposes (assuming that in the case of a redemption, such US Holder does not own, and is not deemed to own, any ordinary shares or ordinary ADSs of the company) in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realised (excluding any amount in respect of mandatory interest and any missed payments which are to be satisfied on a missed payment satisfaction date, which would be treated as ordinary income) and the US Holder's tax basis in the PRO.

A US Holder who is liable for both UK and US tax on gain recognised on the disposal of PROs will generally be entitled, subject to certain limitations, to credit the UK tax against its US federal income tax liability in respect of such gain.

United Kingdom
Taxation of payments on the PROs

Payments on the PROs will constitute interest rather than dividends for UK withholding tax purposes. However, the PROs will constitute 'quoted eurobonds' within the meaning of section 987 of the Income Tax Act 2007 and therefore payments of interest will not be subject to withholding or deduction for or on account of UK taxation as long as the PROs remain at all times listed on a 'recognised stock exchange' within the meaning of section 1005 of the Income Tax Act 2007. In all other cases, an amount must be withheld on account of UK income tax at the savings rate (currently 20%) subject to any direction to the contrary by HM Revenue & Customs under the Treaty and except that the withholding obligation is disapplied in respect of payments to persons who the company reasonably believes are within the charge to corporation tax or fall within various categories enjoying a special tax status (including charities and pension funds), or are partnerships consisting of such persons (unless HM Revenue & Customs directs otherwise). Where interest has been paid under deduction of UK withholding tax, US Holders may be able to recover the tax deducted under the Treaty.

Any paying agent or other person by or through whom interest is paid to, or by whom interest is received on behalf of, an individual, may be required to provide information in relation to the payment and the individual concerned to HM Revenue & Customs. HM Revenue & Customs may communicate this information to the tax authorities of other jurisdictions.

HM Revenue & Customs confirmed at around the time of the issue of the PROs that interest payments would not be treated as distributions for UK tax purposes by reason of (i) the fact that interest may be deferred under the terms of issue; or (ii) the undated nature of the PROs, provided that at the time an interest payment is made, the PROs are not held by a company which is 'associated' with the company or by a 'funded company'. A company will be associated with the company if, broadly speaking, it is part of the same group as the company. A company will be a 'funded company' for these purposes if there are arrangements involving that company being put in funds (directly or indirectly) by the company, or an entity associated with the company. In this respect, HM Revenue & Customs has confirmed that a company holding an interest in the PROs which incidentally has banking facilities with any company associated with the company will not be a 'funded company' by virtue of such facilities. Interest on the PROs constitutes UK source income for UK tax purposes and, as such, may be subject to income tax by direct assessment even where paid without withholding. However, interest with a UK source received without deduction or withholding on account of UK tax will not be chargeable to UK tax in the hands of a US Holder unless, in the case of a corporate US Holder, such US Holder carries on a trade in the UK through a UK permanent establishment or in the case of other US Holders, such persons carry on a trade, profession or vocation in the UK through a UK branch or agency in connection with which the interest is received or to which the PROs are attributable. There are exemptions for interest received by certain categories of agents (such as some brokers and investment managers).

EU Directive on taxation of savings income

The European Union has adopted a directive regarding the taxation of savings income. The Directive requires member states of the European Union to provide to the tax authorities of other member states details of payments of interest and other similar income paid by a person to an individual or certain other persons resident in another member state, except that Belgium, Luxembourg and Austria may instead impose a withholding system for a transitional period unless during such period they elect otherwise.

Disposal (including redemption)

A disposal (including redemption) of PROs by a non-corporate US Holder will not give rise to any liability to UK taxation on capital gains unless the US Holder carries on a trade (which for this purpose includes a profession or a vocation) in the UK through a branch or agency and the PROs are, or have been, held or acquired for the purposes of that trade, branch or agency.

A transfer of PROs by a US Holder will not give rise to a charge to UK tax on accrued but unpaid interest payments, unless the US Holder is an individual or other non-corporate taxpayer and at any time in the relevant year of assessment or accounting period carries on a trade in the UK through a branch or agency to which the PROs are attributable.

Annual tax charges

Corporate US Holders of PROs may be subject to annual UK tax charges (or relief) by reference to fluctuations in exchange rates and in respect of profits, gains and losses arising from the PROs, but only if such corporate US Holders carry on a trade, profession or vocation in the UK through a UK permanent establishment to which the PROs are attributable.

Inheritance tax

In relation to PROs held through DTC (or any other clearing system), the UK inheritance tax position is not free from doubt in respect of a lifetime transfer, or death of, a US Holder who is not domiciled nor deemed to be domiciled in the UK for inheritance tax purposes; HM Revenue & Customs is known to consider that the situs of securities held in this manner is not necessarily determined by the place where the securities are registered. In appropriate circumstances, there may be a charge to UK inheritance tax as a result of a lifetime transfer at less than market value by, or on the death of, such US Holder. Inheritance tax is not generally chargeable on gifts to individuals made more than seven years before the death of the donor. However, exemption from, or a reduction of, any such UK tax liability may be available under the Estate Tax Treaty (see below). US Holders should consult their professional advisers in relation to such potential liability. PROs beneficially owned by an individual, whose domicile is determined to be the United States for the purposes of the Estate Tax Treaty and who is not a national of the UK, will not be subject to UK inheritance tax on the individual's death or on a lifetime transfer of the PRO, except in certain cases where the PRO (i) is comprised in a settlement (unless, at the time of the settlement, the settlor was domiciled in the United States and was not a national of the UK); (ii) is part of the business property of a UK permanent establishment of an enterprise; or (iii) pertains to a UK fixed base of an individual used for the performance of independent personal services. The Estate Tax Treaty generally provides a credit against US federal estate or gift tax liability for the amount of any tax paid in the UK in a case where the PRO is subject to both UK inheritance tax and US federal estate or gift tax.

Stamp duty and SDRT

No stamp duty, SDRT or similar tax is imposed in the UK on the issue, transfer or redemption of the PROs.

Passive Foreign Investment Company considerations

A foreign corporation will be a PFIC in any taxable year in which, after taking into account the income and assets of the corporation and certain subsidiaries pursuant to applicable “look-through rules,” either (i) at least 75% of its gross income is “passive income” or (ii) at least 50% of the average value of its assets is attributable to assets which produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income. The company does not believe that it was as a PFIC for its 2007 taxable year. Although interest income is generally passive income, a special rule allows banks to treat their banking business income as non-passive. To qualify for this rule, a bank must satisfy certain requirements regarding its licensing and activities. The company believes that it currently meets these requirements. The company's possible status as a PFIC must be determined annually, however, and may be subject to change if the company fails to qualify under this special rule for any year in which a US Holder holds ordinary shares, non-cumulative dollar preference shares, ordinary ADSs, preference ADSs or PROs. If the company were to be treated as a PFIC in any year during which a US Holder holds ordinary shares, non-cumulative dollar preference shares, ordinary ADSs, preference ADSs or PROs, US Holders would generally be subject to adverse US federal income tax consequences. Holders should consult their own tax advisers as to the potential application of the PFIC rules to the ownership and disposition of the company's ordinary shares, non-cumulative dollar preference shares, ordinary ADSs, preference ADSs or PROs.

Annual Report and Accounts 2007