****************************************************** PR # 31075 We propose to observe the Galactic ridge X-ray emission at 4 partial ly overlapping fields near the Galactic longitude of 30 deg and latit ude of 1-2 deg. These fields are an extention to those observed in th e PV-phase. Through these observations, we wish to clarify the latitu dinal structure of the ridge emission, including its brightness scale height, temperature gradient, and possible variation in the ionizati on parameter. ******************************************************