BOC, the industrial gases and healthcare group, yesterday revealed the extent of its scars caused the strong sterling. Eliminating the effects of the currency translation, BOC's pre-tax profits climbed 6 per cent in the nine months to June 30th while turnover rose by 5 per cent. However, the strength of sterling on the foreign exchanges meant pre-tax profits fell by 1 per cent to £325.4 million sterling against £327.3 million in the corresponding period in the previous year. - (PA)