In response to the query by the Singapore Exchange Limited ("SGX") in its letter dated 14 November 2003 to Hitchins Group Ltd (the "Company"), the Board of Directors of the Company wishes to provide the following information with regard to its Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2003 (the "Annual Report"):-
SGX's Query
"We refer to your Annual Report. Please provide a confirmation from the audit committee that they have reviewed all the non-audit services provided by the auditors and would not, in their opinion, affect the independence of the auditors, in an announcement to be released via Masnet immediately. Kindly reproduce our query in your announcement so that investors would be apprised of the context in which your response is made."
The Company's Response
The Audit Committee of the Board has undertaken a review of the non-audit services provided by the auditors during the financial year under review and is satisfied with the independence and objectivity of the auditors.
By order of the Board,
Chan Tuck Wai, Benjamin
Company Secretary
17 November 2003