91.   The so-called repo rate is regarded as the third, unofficial base rate set by the Bundesbank.

92.   Three of the big British retail banks reduced their base rates by a quarter of a point shortly after the announcement of the cut.

93.   MacKinnon predicted that the central bank would leave its base rates unchanged, but some dealers predicted that there might be a return to variable repurchase rates.

94.   Manufacturing output data which was released on Friday also dented expectations of an imminent rise in British base rates.

95.   On Tuesday Brown unveiled plans to give the bank partial independence and to create a nine-member monetary policy committee to set interest base rates.

96.   Since last October, when British base rates were raised to their present six percent, Clarke has resisted repeated calls from the central banker for higher rates.

97.   Some banks immediately increased their base rates.

98.   Since last October, when British base rates were raised to their present six percent, Clarke has resisted repeated calls from the Bank of England for higher rates.

99.   Sterling benefited from the quarter-point base rate cut by the Bank of England, which was welcomed by the market.

100.   The committee will have the freedom to set British base rates in a drive to achieve an inflation target set by the government.