Response to DTI Statement

Trinity Mirror PLC
17 July 2000



Not  for  release, publication or distribution in or into  the
United  States  of  America, Canada, Japan, Australia  or  the
Netherlands.


                      Trinity Mirror plc
     Sale of Belfast Telegraph Newspapers Limited ('BTNL')


The  Board of Trinity Mirror plc ('Trinity Mirror') has  noted
the  announcement  made today by the Secretary  of  State  for
Trade  and  Industry  that he has given  his  consent  to  the
proposed  transfer  to  Independent  News  &  Media  (Northern
Ireland)  Limited  (a wholly-owned subsidiary  of  Independent
News & Media plc, 'Independent News & Media') of the newspaper
titles  and  assets of BTNL.  The consent of the Minister  for
Enterprise,  Trade and Employment of the Republic  of  Ireland
has already been received.

As  previously announced Trinity Mirror will receive  cash  of
£300  million, less any indebtedness and subject to adjustment
reflecting  working capital movements in BTNL between  signing
and completion.  Completion of the transaction is expected  to
take place shortly.

Commenting on the announcement Philip Graf, Chief Executive of
Trinity Mirror, said:

'I am pleased that we have received the necessary consents for
the  sale of BTNL.  Although we are disappointed to have  been
required  to sell BTNL, Independent News & Media  will  be  an
excellent  owner of this high quality publishing business.   I
would  like  to  take this opportunity to pay tribute  to  the
management and staff of BTNL who have contributed so  much  to
the success of the business under Trinity Mirror's ownership.'


Enquiries:

Philip Graf             Trinity Mirror     020 7293 3000
Chief Executive

Simon Borrows           Greenhill & Co.    020 7440 0400

Rupert  Younger         Finsbury           020 7251 3801
James Leviton