It is shown that if a C*-algebra A contains a semi-scattered C*-algebra B s
uch that the pure states of B and the zero functional extend uniquely to A,
and the canonical mapping (B) over cap --> (A) over cap is injective, then
there exists a (unique) projection of norm one R : A --> B. In certain cir
cumstances, the conditional expectation R can be effected by a unitary aver
aging process using unitary elements in the centre of the multiplier algebr
a M(B).