Accountability and audit

The board is required by the UK Corporate Governance Code to present a balanced and understandable assessment of the Company’s position and prospects. In relation to this requirement, reference is made to the statement of directors’ responsibilities for preparing the financial statements set out on page 58 of the Annual Report and Accounts 2011.

The independent auditors’ report on page 59 of the Annual Report and Accounts 2011 includes a statement by the auditors about their reporting responsibilities. The board recognises that its responsibility to present a balanced and understandable assessment extends to interim and other price-sensitive public reports, reports to regulators, and information required to be presented by law.