Stmnt re Royal Bk Scot.Grp.

Banco Santander Central Hispano SA
8 November 1999

Translation of the notice sent today to the Spanish National Securities
Commission ('Comision Nacional De Mercado De Valores'):
 
The Royal Bank of Scotland has already officially declared its interest in
studying a possible operation over NATWEST. 

Santander Central Hispano, as the largest shareholder of RBS, with a 9.6% stake
of its capital, is naturally following this possible operation with great
interest but has no other comment to make on the matter. 

Madrid, 8 November 1999