Notes to the consolidated financial statements
9. Dividends
The following table shows the dividends paid to equity shareholders:
| 2009 pence (per ordinary share) |
2009 £m |
2008 pence (per ordinary share) |
2008 £m |
2007 pence (per ordinary share) |
2007 £m |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary dividends: | |||||||
| Interim dividend for the year ended 31 March 2009 | 12.64 | 307 | – | – | – | – | |
| Final dividend for the year ended 31 March 2008 | 21.30 | 531 | – | – | – | – | |
| Interim dividend for the year ended 31 March 2008 | – | – | 11.70 | 300 | – | – | |
| Final dividend for the year ended 31 March 2007 | – | – | 17.80 | 480 | – | – | |
| Interim dividend for the year ended 31 March 2007 | – | – | – | – | 10.90 | 297 | |
| Final dividend for the year ended 31 March 2006 | – | – | – | – | 15.90 | 433 | |
| 33.94 | 838 | 29.50 | 780 | 26.80 | 730 |
In addition, the Directors are proposing a final dividend for 2009 of 23.00p per share that will absorb approximately £560m of shareholders’ equity (assuming all amounts are settled in cash). It will be paid on 19 August 2009 to shareholders who are on the register of members at 5 June 2009. A scrip dividend alternative (ie shares in lieu of cash) will be offered subject to shareholders’ approval at the Annual General Meeting.