NORWICH Union shares continued to trade in size on the London stock market and at the end of dealing were on 318p sterling, a fall of 6 1/2p on the day. Dealers said that this was a creditable performance given the 1.3 per cent fall in the FTSE Index of leading shares.

Just under 41 million shares traded yesterday - well below the 146 million traded on Monday's opening day's trading - but dealers said that the shares are well-supported at 315p sterling with institutions buying up any loose shares that come on the market from the millions of policyholders who received free or discount Norwich Union shares.

Market sources expect heavy trading to continue, especially next week when policyholders who opted for individual share certificates will receive their certificates.