Stmnt Re RBS Grp/Natwest Off.

Banco Santander Central Hispano SA
31 January 2000

Banco Santander Central Hispano further financially supports Royal Bank of
Scotland's offer for NatWest - Pound Sterling 500 million cash underpinning.

Banco Santander Central Hispano, S.A. announces that it has reached a new
agreement with The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc. ('RBS') to provide further
financial support, for up to Pound Sterling 500 million, for the increased and
final offer, announced today, by RBS for National Westminster Bank plc.