By comparison, analysts say Barclays Bank PLC will show the next highest rise in provisions, up 27%. Still a Minor Factor Although loan-loss reserves will have shaved several million pounds off profits, Abbey's provisions as a percentage of its total loans are extremely small compared with those of its rivals. "Bad debts are a much higher percentage of lending at the big four" commercial banks - Barclays, National Westminster, Midland, and Lloyds - said analyst Nick Dobby at Robert Fleming Securities. "Another plus is that the underlying retail margin is improving as the savings rate is falling faster than the mortgage rate." But Mr. Dobby said the interest margin was likely to fall to 2.2% from 2.8%, as Abbey continued to put high quality, lower-yielding assets on its balance sheet.