Dividend Payment Date

Merrill Lynch Br. SmallerCo Tst PLC
11 October 2005




Merrill Lynch British Smaller Companies Trust plc

Release of Interim Results - Dividend Pay Date


Further to the release of the interim results of Merrill Lynch British Smaller
Companies Trust plc, the interim dividend of 1.79p per ordinary share will be
paid on 7 November 2005 to shareholders on the register on 21 October 2005.



CD/sf


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