Director/PDMR Shareholding

Merrill Lynch British Smaller Companies Trust plc

Directors Dealings

On 31 March 2008 the Company was notified that on that date:

Richard Brewster, a director of the Company, sold 80,000 ordinary shares of 25p
each in the Company ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 312.50p per share; and

Mrs S Brewster, Richard Brewster's wife, purchased 80,000 Ordinary Shares at
312.50p per share. Shares are held in the name of Rock Nominees Limited.

As a result of these transactions, Richard Brewster's interest in the issued
share capital of the Company remains unchanged at 80,000 Ordinary Shares
representing approximately 0.16 per cent. of the issued Ordinary Shares.

Contact: Ms Caroline Driscoll, BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited

Tel: [phone]

Date: 31 March 2008