May 22, 2003	Thursday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 19,1424

KARACHI, May 21: The Procter & Gamble Company announced strong volume growth for the quarter, driving double-digit core net earnings, a company press release issued on Wednesday stated.

Unit volume for the quarter grew seven per cent over the prior year, behind double digit growth in the health care business and continued strong results in Asia and Central and Eastern Europe. Net sales were $10.66bn, up eight per cent versus a year ago. Net earnings for the quarter were $1.27 billion, up 23 per cent versus a year ago.