ASX announcement - ASX Share Price

3 February 1999

I refer to the price query received from the Commission earlier today and respond as follows to the specific questions you have posed.

1. Are any matters of importance concerning the Company about to be announced to security holders and/or the market"? If so, can an announcement be made immediately?

The Company confirms that there are no matters of importance concerning the Company about to be announced to security holders and/or the market.

2. Is the Company aware of any information concerning it which, had it been available to the market, might reasonably be regarded as an explanation for recent trading activity in the Securities of the Company?

The Company is not aware of any such information. The Company believes that it has made full disclosure to the market in accordance with the Listing Rules.

3. Is the Company able to offer any other explanation for the price change in the securities of the Company?

The Company notes that it is scheduled to be included in the All Ordinaries Index from 1 February 1999.

The Company also indicated in its announcement on 22 December 1998 that it had agreed to hold discussions with the Sydney Futures Exchange to explore the possibility of merging it into ASX. Those discussions are ongoing.

In addition, the Company indicated in its announcement on 24 November 1998 concerning ASX revenue, market activity and half yearly profit levels, the potential impact on the Company’s half-year profit should current market activity levels continue. The Company notes that market activity levels continue to be strong.

The Company confirms that it is not able to offer any other explanation for the price change in the securities of the Company.

4. Can the Company confirm to ASIC that it is in compliance with the Listing Rules and, in particular, Listing Rule 3.1?

Yes. The Company believes that it is in compliance with the Listing Rules and, in particular that the Company has made appropriate disclosure to the market in accordance with Listing Rule 3.1.

Sasha Titchkosky
Deputy Company Secretary