NATIONAL SAVINGS FIRST OPTION BONDS-NEW INTEREST RATE

On and from 27th February 1999 the guaranteed gross interest rate for the first year a Bond is held will be 4.5% pa. Assuming a rate of tax of 20%, the net rate credited to a Bond will be 3.6% pa. Bonds of £20,000 or more also earn bonus interest of 0.25% pa gross (0.2% net). National Savings Investment Accounts-New Interest Rates On and from 13th March 1999 the variable gross rates of interest payable on Investment Accounts will be as follows:

Balance in Account	Rate of Interest
up to £499.99	3.65% pa
£500 to £2,499.99	3.8% pa
£2,500 to £4,999.99	3.9% pa
£5,000 to £9,999.99	4.0% pa
£10,000 to £24,999.99	4.2% pa
£25,000 to £49,999.99	4.45% pa
£50,000 and above	4.95% pa

National Savings Treasurer’s Accounts-New Interest Rates On and from 13th March 1999 the variable gross rates of interest payable on Treasurer’s Accounts will be as follows:

£10,000 to £24,999.99	4.2% pa
£25,000 to £99,999.99	4.45% pa
£100,000 and above	4.95% pa

National Savings Ordinary Accounts-New Interest Rates On and from 1st April 1999 the variable rates of interest payable on Ordinary Accounts will be as follows:

Standard rate	1.0% pa
Higher rate	1.2% pa

The Higher rate of interest is paid for each complete calendar month that £500 or more is in the account. National Savings Income Bonds-New Interest Rate On and from 10th April 1999 the variable “Treasury Rate” of interest payable on Income Bonds will be 4.95% pa gross. The bonus rate for bonds held under the same register number with a total capital value of at least £25,000 will be 0.25% pa gross. National Savings Deposit Bonds-New Interest Rate On and from 10th April 1999 the rate of interest payable on Deposit Bonds will be 4.45% pa gross. Premium Savings Bonds-Notice of New Interest Rate and Change to Scale of Prizes On and from 1st June 1999 the rate of interest specified for determining the amount of the prize fund will be 3.25% pa. In respect of each prize draw there will be one prize for every 24,000 bond units eligible for inclusion in the draw. New General Extension Rate On and from 1st April 1999 the variable rate of interest for National Savings Certificates (including Yearly Plan Certificates) earning the General Extension Rate will be 2.49% pa tax-free. Issued by National Savings on behalf of the Treasury.