29 October 2003

US TRIAL VERDICT

BOC notes the jury's adverse decision in a welding fumes lawsuit in Madison
County, Illinois against three defendants, including BOC. The verdict reached
by this jury is inconsistent with the verdict reached by every other jury that
has considered similar claims. BOC believes that the verdict reached in this
case is inconsistent with Illinois law. No causal relationship has ever been
established between exposure to welding fumes and idiopathic Parkinson's
disease and this verdict is contrary to the scientific, medical and
toxicological evidence. For these reasons, BOC respectfully disagrees with the
verdict and is confident that it will prevail on appeal.

Contact:      Christopher Marsay, Director - Investor Relations           
                                                                          
              Tel: 01276 477222 (International +44 1276 477222)           



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