The company also reported a 39.1 percent rise in earnings.

The bank reported a 29 percent rise in profits, to $151.7 million.

About half the 260 stores reported a rise of more than 10 percent from 1998 to 1999, the organization said.

Yet the council's own data report a rise in numbers paying council tax.

The Government also said that major retailers reported a rise in sales of 7.1 percent from the period a year earlier.

Also late on Thursday, the company reported a 30 percent rise in profits for its first quarter.

It was the only large automaker to report a rise in sales last month, with an increase of 6.5 percent.

The company reported a 16 percent rise in quarterly net profit.

Other states, too, are reporting a quick rise in gun purchases.

Other cruise lines have reported a similar rise in family cruises.