The problem is formulated as one in the linear theory of thin, laminated, anisotropic elastic plates. A direct force-and-moment formulation is used, simplifying approximation is introduced and a closed-form solution is obtained. This solution exhibits bending-stretching coupling if the plate is asymmetrically laminated with respect to mass or stiffness or both. Numerical results typical of certain composite materials of current interest are presented. Specific laminates considered as examples include (1) glass—epoxy/steel, (2) cross-ply graphite—epoxy, and (3) various quasi-isotropic layups of organic fibre—epoxy.