> Er isn't that SQL not PLSQL? Fair point well made. However, wrapping it in PL/SQL doesn't seem to make any difference.... SSQL> r 1 declare 2 language my_table_ext.language%type; 3 begin 4 for lrec in ( select * from my_table_ext ) loop 5 language := upper(lrec.language); 6 if language = 'BABEL 17' then 7 dbms_output.put_line('Hello Tarek'); 8 else 9 dbms_output.put_line('Hello world'); 10 end if; 11 end loop; 12* end; Hello Tarek Hello world PL/SQL procedure successfully completed. SQL> So I think it must be something peculiar in the specific details of Jack's program. Cheers, APC A P Clarke Software Architect Logica UK Public Sector Division Stephenson House 75 Hampstead Road London UK NW1 2PL Direct Tel: +44 (0)207 230 3160 Fax: +44 (0)207 446 1352 Email: andrew.clarke@xxxxxxxxxx This e-mail and any attachment is for authorised use by the intended recipient(s) only. It may contain proprietary material, confidential information and/or be subject to legal privilege. It should not be copied, disclosed to, retained or used by, any other party. If you are not an intended recipient then please promptly delete this e-mail and any attachment and all copies and inform the sender. Thank you.