BRITAIN'S BAT Industries spelled out a more conciliatory approach to a string of US tobacco-related lawsuits yesterday, saying it was now time to explore settling the claims.

"The on-going cost in legal terms, and the impact on the share price is such that we think it sensible and appropriate to evaluate a settlement," BAT chief executive Mr Martin Broughton said. He put the legal costs at $100 million in 1996, which he expected to rise at least over the next two years.